Then Jesus went from that place and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.”
Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour. (Matthew 15:21-22, 28 NABRE)
Jesus went to the water when he needed rest. Perhaps it was the sound of the waves rolling up on the shore which calmed and refreshed him. Possibly it was the breeze blowing off the water or the cooling touch of the water itself which brought him peace in his body and mind. It may have been the smell of the ocean or the sunset skies over the horizon which brought back memories for him. I think all of these may have led him to seek the ocean when he needed rest.
There is no doubt water has an effect on us. The sea reminds us how small we are. It is powerful and beautiful. It is constant and relentless. When we go to the water, we cannot help but gain perspective. We cannot help but recognize how limited and small we really are, and so, recall that our problems and cares are as well.
And so, tired as he must have felt, and despite that the woman in today's passage was a Canaanite (she was not a Jew, the people Jesus came to serve), Jesus engaged with her because of her unusual faith. In doing this, he begins to set the stage for the salvation of all people, both Jew and Gentile. May we notice Jesus' love for each person he encounters, his willingness to do his "work" even while on a short "vacation," and the healing he so willingly provides to anyone who will ask for it in faith.
Today, I will reflect on the amazing grace of Jesus' love for all of us.
Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
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