Faith That Won’t Take No for an Answer
February 13, 2025 - Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Mark 7:24-30
Imagine begging someone for help, only to be ignored—or worse, dismissed with words that seem harsh. That’s exactly what happens to the woman in today’s Gospel. But instead of walking away hurt, she refuses to give up. And Jesus recognizes her faith.
In Jesus’ time, Israel was the only nation that worshiped one God. "I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God" (Is. 45:5). They saw themselves as set apart, shaped by God’s law. Most other nations lived in ignorance of this truth. But the prophets, especially Isaiah, spoke of a future when all nations would come to worship the one true God (Isaiah 45:23; 56:6-7).
That’s the backdrop for today’s Gospel. The big question: Is Jesus’ mission only for Israel, or for everyone? The Gospels show a shift—Jesus first focuses on Israel (Matthew 15:24, John 12:20-21), but after his resurrection, the mission expands to all nations (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15). However, this transition wasn’t easy. Even the early Church wrestled with it (Acts 10:1-11:18).
When the woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter, his response seems shocking: "Let the children be fed first." But Israel, the "children," was rejecting him. "The bread that came down from heaven" (John 6:60-61) was being refused, leaving room for others. Paul later explains that Israel’s rejection made way for the Gentiles to receive salvation (Romans 11:11).
And yet, this woman did argue theology. She identified herself with the suffering of her daughter and so she persisted. "Even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps," she says. She acknowledges Jesus’ mission to Israel, but also sees that God’s grace is too abundant to be limited. She knows that even a "scrap" of his power is enough to heal her daughter.
Jesus is moved. "For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter." The Canaanite woman left the darkness of paganism and came to Jesus, the Light of the world, humbled herself and was exalted, earnestly asked and received what she desired. Her faith—humble, persistent, and unwavering—has led to healing.
This story isn’t just about an ancient debate over who gets salvation first. It’s about a faith that refuses to give up. A faith that trusts in Jesus even when the answer seems like "no." It’s a reminder that God’s love is bigger than any boundary, and his grace is for everyone—no matter where we come from.
What about us? Do we trust in Jesus like this woman did? Let’s pray for a faith that doesn’t take no for an answer.