Talk and more talk! This is what this gospel reading is about, but it definitely is not “ole talk”! Even those of us who may have an aversion to hearing talk with little or no action are forced to sit up and listen to the profound words uttered by both the disciples and the Canaanite woman. “ Give her what she wants, because she is shouting after us. ”

These words, which the disciples use to ask Jesus to help the Canaanite woman, are echoed in us every time we meet someone we want to get rid of. This woman, a complete foreigner had sought Jesus' help to heal her daughter.

The approach she used of shouting after them would have undoubtedly attracted unnecessary attention to the disciples. It would have caused them some embarrassment and discomfort. The easiest solution to their problem would have been for Jesus to grant her request and dismiss her immediately.

In our daily lives we come across people like the Canaanite woman, people who seek attention and persist in doing so. This encounter which the disciples and Jesus had with the Canaanite woman reminded me of my own experiences with a regular visitor to my home.

The individual usually comes calling, seeking assistance. As she enters the street, the dogs begin to bark incessantly and on approaching my house she calls out my name at the top of her voice. As I go out to talk with her I become aware of the neighbours around peeping through their windows.

Just like the disciples my family feels uneasy. My initial reaction is to give her what she wants and send her on her way. I soon come to realise, however, that material help is not all she needs. She is eager to engage in conversation.

This ranges from enquiring about my family's welfare to discussing topical issues. Her witty and clever remarks are similar to the replies the Canaanite woman exchanged with Jesus.

As we look around in our families, schools and the society there are people shouting after us, crying out for help. Our children and young people are shouting after us.

They are doing so through the music they are listening to, the language they are using in conversation and the clothes they are wearing. They want to get our attention so that we can listen to their stories.

We grant their wishes when we give them a chance to express themselves and hear them not only with our ears but especially with our hearts. The students in the classroom who manifest unacceptable and delinquent behaviour are shouting after us.

They seem to be saying to us that the education system is not catering to their needs. When teachers and others in leadership positions can show them the relevance and usefulness of education to their lives, then their “ shouting ” would stop.

Public protests have become an almost daily occurrence in our country. People who are living in sub-standard conditions, without basic amenities such as water and good access roads are shouting after us.

They are demonstrating a persistence to their cause when they not only cry out for help from their homes and villages but visit the relevant agencies to let their voices be heard. By listening to them and giving them a speedy and positive response, those in authority are granting the villagers their wishes.

Further reflection on the passage reveals to us the reward for persistence. The Canaanite woman did not withdraw and retreat when Jesus hesitated to help her. Rather she dropped to her knees and begged him. “ Lord, help me. ”

Her retort to Jesus in her desire to be helped shows that once we persist and remain committed to our cause and persevere in prayer our voice will be heard; our wish will be granted. Steadfast faith will help and encourage those who do not know how to pray or cannot pray.

The Canaanite woman is demonstrating enough faith for those who, through the lack of proper example in their lives were never exposed to prayer and do not know how to pray. The woman's persistent faith will also serve to help those who may have given up, become disillusioned and refuse to pray.

PRAYER

Lord, we thank you for those people in our lives who did not abandon but remained committed to their cause and who through their persistence and perseverance have encouraged others to do the same.

We ask your forgiveness for the times when we were hesitant and did not want to pray. We pray for the grace and strength to teach and encourage others to pray.

Therese Ragoonanan is a wife and mother of two children who teaches at San Fernando East Junior Secondary School . She is also a Eucharistic Minister at St. Andrew Kaggwa RC Church, Vistabella.