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The Canaanite woman in today’s Gospel gives us a wonderful example of silent suffering, prayer and faith. Her daughter, whom she loves, is in need of healing and she finds herself in the presence of Jesus who is continuing his journey of going to the lost sheep of Israel. But her perseverance in supplication shows how prayer can find answer in the mercy of God. He heals the daughter of her demon at that hour because of the woman’s great faith!

It’s estimated that variations of “fear not” and “do not be afraid” appear anywhere from 133 to 436 times in our Catholic bibles. No matter what number you think is correct, the point is that God has told us countless times that in the midst of our trials and tribulations, the Lord extends his hands to us and saves us.