A WORD FOR TODAY 4 AUGUST 2021

*A WORD FOR TODAY

WEEP NO MORE: PRAY WITH FAITH AND DO NOT GIVE UP

_“Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.” (Matthew 15:18)_

_*In the gospel reading of today, we see a side of Jesus that appears to be different from all that we know and understand about him based on the gospels. A Canaanite woman from the region he was passing through, came to him, begging him to save the life of her daughter but she got an unusual response from Jesus.*_

_At first glance, it appears that Jesus was harsh and didn't want to help her, but upon careful reflection we see that Jesus wanted to use the opportunity to draw out a deep faith from the woman, a faith that comes with perseverance._

_*We all need this kind of faith, otherwise at the least challenge or setback we face in life we could easily slip into despair and hopelessness. The woman in the passage was rewarded for showing such deep faith. Jesus wants us to reach the same level of success, he want us to have an unshakable faith in him because nothing is impossible for him.*_

_*We see in the first reading from the book of Numbers, how the children of Israel lost faith and in fact lost every hope in possessing the promised land because of the false and evil report of some of those who went to spy out the land. They forgot what God had done for them in the past and lost faith that he can do even mighter things. We must learn to stop crying and trust in God's word for He will deliver us and bring us to possess the land he has promised us.*_

_I say to you my dear friend, do not give up, stand strong in your faith, pray with faith, walk by faith, live by faith and you will see the great things the Lord would do for you._

_*Today we celebrate the memorial of St. John Mary Vianney,(1786-1859) patron of priests, known as the “Curé of Ars”. Saint John Mary Vianney was born during the days of the French Revolution, was ordained a priest in 1815. Three years later he was made parish priest of Ars, a remote French hamlet, where his reputation as a confessor and director of souls made him known throughout the Christian world. His life was one of extreme mortification. He lived a holy life and won many souls to God. Let us learn from him to live a good life and help others to be holy too.*_

_Good morning dearest one. I hope you had a good night rest. Smile😊 as you do yiur work and do have a miraculous day. May God give you a strong faith, a faith that comes with perseverance, so that you will continue to trust in him no matter what comes your way. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Numbers 13: 1-2.25-14:1.26-29.34-35/Ps 106:6-7.13-14.21-22.23 /Matthew 15:21-28

*Watch-Word:* O Lord, remember us with the favour you show to your people.

*Have faith that God would show you favour, persevering with faith.*

(Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time. Year 1. Memorial of St. John Mary Vianney)