August 9, 2017 Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time-A

Numbers 13:1-2, 25-14:1, 26-29, 34-35

Psalm 106

Matthew 15:21-28

“We cannot attack these people, they are too strong for us.”  Numbers 13:31

“O woman, great is your faith!” Matthew 15:28

Lord, you keep showing us that faith makes all the difference in our walk with you.  The Israelites turned away from your plan for them out of fear.  The Canaanite woman stepped out in the courage of faith to receive healing for her daughter.  You had rescued the Israelites from slavery, hunger and thirst.  The woman was pagan with little or no history of experiencing God’s presence.  Life was not a bed of roses for either of them.  Lord, bless me with the faith of this persevering and brave woman.  Help me to be open to your plan and to count on you making up for my human weaknesses.  May I be convinced that you are always working for me in so many surprising and unexpected ways.  Lord, I need your guidance and encouragement to face up to my fears and doubts when the way forward looks hard.  Give me a humble and willing heart, dear Jesus.  I expect great things today.  Amen.