The Woman At The Well

Healing the Canaanite Woman’s Daughter (Matt 15:21-31)

Jesus leaves the area of Jewish influence and meets a Canaanite woman. Canaanites were ancestral enemies of the Jews. He “withdraws” to prepare for the turmoil of His Passion before the religious leaders of the Jews; His time is approaching; His meekness will be seen again when He appears before Pilate. He needs to prepare His disciples for the day of the cross; He needs to pray. He needs to escape those seeking to make Him king rather than redeemer.
No Jew would knowingly go to the land of the Gentiles. Yet Jesus’ reputation as a healer is known to this woman of Canaan. Jesus seems unaware of her; His disciples are embarrassed-“Send her away, for she keeps calling after us.” Her determination shows the urgency of her appeal; her willingness to approach a Jew touches Jesus and His mercy. Her example shows us how one should pray- with passion, willingness to conform our lives to His will, with trust.

Like the woman at the well, she ignores all discouragement, giving Him homage-“Have pity upon me, Sir, Son of David.” He must show her what true faith must be; His disciples too will learn that faith is available for Jew and Gentile alike. Rebukes, silences, do not deter her from having His power heal her daughter. Her faith begins as a request, moves to adoration of His majesty, and ends in prayer. Accepting His lordship, her sincerity of request, her confidence in His mercy, Christ rewards her for her faith, her tenacity, for her acceptance of His truths. We have lessons to learn.



Is Christ showing Peter and the disciples what is true faith? A Gentile teaching a Jew; what a new thought. A woman, showing by example, faith to a man; it is inconceivable in that time and place. An outsider showing homage, displaying a spirit of unconditional trust; this awakens Jesus’ response. Her love for her child is a reflection of God’s love for all His children.
All of us at one time or another, experience being an outsider, being someone different- heritage, faith background, illness or physical defects. All are challenges; some are just more visible than others. How we react to challenge, how we take up our cross; this is our Passion of the Cross. Man wants freedom suffering; that is not to be. There is no suffering, no ordeal, no loneliness, no fear that Jesus did not suffer. Sometimes Jesus’ silence is our greatest suffering. Could this be a time for discernment of His will? Is this time to surrender completely to His care, His presence? Do we continue to pray, to trust, to believe? Will we put our hand in His hand, knowing His love?