Trust without Reservation

August 20, 2023 – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082023.cfm)

We usually associate the word, Faith as accepting something we cannot understand. We say: “since it is strange, mysterious & unexplainable, simply believe”. However, faith is more than our assent to things that does not make sense, and accepting without question.

The Greek word for faith is “pistis”, which literary means: TRUST. Meaning, when he talks about faith, Jesus means first of all, to trust God without reservation. Whenever he said to people he healed: “Your faith has saved you”, Jesus is saying that they have found new chance in life because they have surrendered in complete trust to God as made known through Jesus.

This kind of faith is clearly shown to us by the faith of the Canaanite woman in our gospel today

For her sick child be healed, the Canaanite woman in our gospel today, have to undergo a lot of hindrances, difficulties & challenges. For instance, her cultural background being non-Jewish from Canaan – a migrant foreigner gentile she is, the rude-attitude towards her by the disciples of Jesus, & the seeming cold-reception of Jesus towards her.

Despite all these hindrances & challenges, however, the Canaanite woman still, as we have heard – longs & hopes only with perseverance to the kindness & mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, and not on the challenges she is in. True enough, she is aware & knows her dire situation; but she gives less importance to her difficult & troublesome life-circumstances & rather rely only on her faith in Jesus. Due to her deep faith & trust in the healing power & mercy Jesus, no hindrances, challenges & problems can overcome her to ask for the help of Jesus.

Because  of her persistent & persevering faith, her daughter was not only completely cured & brought back to health, but the Canaanite woman also made Jesus aware of His mission is not exclusive only for Jews, but more so, inclusive to all humanity. She made Jesus aware of her great faith & caused Jesus to extend & expand His Good News of God’ Kingdom, not only to the Jews, but above all to the gentiles, foreigners, migrants, pagans, & all people of the world. Such great miracle happened: Good News revealed & expanded to all thru the faith & trust of the Canaanite woman.

But how about us now? Do we give more importance, faith & trust to our doubts, fears & sufferings in life? Or like the Canaanite woman, do we believe & trust without reserve in the power, mercy & kindness of Jesus despite life-concerns?

Be reminded that faith is not only about accepting without question, assenting without understanding, but above all, about our complete trust without reservation to God & His will, grace, plans for us. In the same way, we ask God’s mercy & aid in life because we believe & trust in Him, & not only because of we needs & wants His help.

What is demanded of us then, His believers are our complete trust in Him without reservation. For without faith & with less trust in Him, God’s grace is difficult & limited to flourish, and healing & miracles would rather fail to happen.

So, whenever we find ourselves sleepless & worried with our life-concerns, “stop counting sheep, talk instead to the Shepherd.” In other words, Trust in the Lord without reservation, and allow Him to make the best & do the rest for us.

So Be it. Amen.