January 23, 2022
Matthew 15:21-28 - And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.
Faith and Persistence - The Canaanite women who approaches Jesus three times is persistent in her petition and her belief that Jesus could hear her daughter. He uses her persistence to show that it was her faith in him that elicited the healing.
Scripture
- Matins - Mark 16:9-20 (Gospel 3)
- Divine Liturgy - 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1, Matthew 15:21-28
The icon is a detail of the Holy Apostle Timothy (January 22nd).
March for Life - Friday, January 21, 2022
Plan now to participate in the annual March for Life! Your witness is vitally important as Americans work to ensure the respect for life for everyone from the moment of conception until the moment of natural death. If you cannot particpate in the March for Life in Washington, DC, then particpate (even for an hour!) at the one in your town. And remember that even if you are elderly, disabled, or if circumstances make it not possible for you to participate in the March you can still participate by praying. Prayer is the most powerful weapon we have against the evils of abortion and euthanasia.
"The love of God does not distinguish between the newly-conceived infant still in the mother's womb, the baby, the youth, the grown adult or the elderly because in each of them He sees the sign of His own image and likeness." (Pope Benedict XVI)
