_(Wednesday 7th August,
2019. Bible Study: Numbers 13:1-2.25-14:1.26-29.34-35, Psalm106 and Matthew 15:21-28)_
_“But
Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, ‘Let us go up at once, and
occupy it; for we are well able to overcome it.’ Then the men who had gone up
with him said, ‘We are not able to go up against the people; for they are
stronger than we.’” *(Numbers 13:30-31)*_
In this
life, no one has it all. We all have our fair share of problems, issues, fears
and troubles but our happiness depends on our focus. If we focus only on our
problems and take our gaze away from God, we become like the Israelites in
today’s first reading. We end up crying our brains out for nothing.
Dear
friends, like the irritating cry of little children, there are times that our
tears are plainly irritating to God. Irritating, not because God is not moved
by tears but because God has won the battle already. Twelve men were sent to
spy the Promised Land, only two; Caleb and Joshua came back with positive mindsets.
Caleb and
Joshua acknowledged their difficulty but they also saw their potentials, they
saw the giants but they knew God is much bigger than any giant, they saw their cup
half-full but the other ten saw their cup half-empty. The other ten focused on
the giants and imagined themselves being crushed like bread before them. The
other ten did not try to focus on God.
Sadly, it
was two against ten and the majority carried the day. There are always more
people who do not believe God can intervene in their situation, there are
always more people who would prefer to cry rather than look at that tiny window
God has opened for them. Dear friends, whatever it is that is making you cry
right now has a solution. And there is every possibility that God has solved
your problem already. What is left is for you to play your part.
In our
Gospel passage today, a woman came to Jesus seeking for a solution for her
daughter who was possessed by a demon. At first, Jesus ignores her completely.
She kept calling out until the disciples of Jesus had to appeal that Jesus
should send her away. Then to test her, Jesus said: “it is not right to take
the food of children and throw it to the dogs.” At this point, she had two
choices, either to walk away angry and depressed or to believe that there could
still be something for her.
Her
response showed her choice. This woman refused to cry, instead, she believed
there was something in place for her. She declared: “Yes, Lord, yet even the
dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Jesus was so
impressed by her statement that he said: “O woman, great is your faith! Let it
be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
There is
difference between crying as a way of drawing God’s attention and crying
because you have concluded in your mind that your situation is beyond the power
of God. While one is hopeful, the second type of cry is hopeless. This cry is
what we must avoid at all cost. Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop asking. Don’t stop
trying. It doesn’t matter how many times you hear “No”.
According
to St. John Chrysostom “Whether we obtain what we ask, or do not obtain, let us
persevere always in prayer. And let us give thanks, not only when we obtain,
but even when we suffer a repulse. For when God denies us anything, it is no
less a favour than if He granted it. For we know not as He knows what is good
for us.”
Look at
the brighter side, this woman did not focus on the fact that she was referred
to as a dog, she focused on the fact that there are always crumbs for dogs. And
she got her miracle!
Let us
pray: Lord Jesus, teach me to wipe off my tears and focus on you instead. Amen.
Be Happy.
Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of
the 18th week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Numbers 13:1-2.25-14:1.26-29.34-35,
Psalm106 and Matthew 15:21-28).
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