Gospel Summary
A Cananite woman approached Jesus as a petitioner asking Jesus to heal her daughter. At first Jesus put her off by implying that she was not part of the salvation plan. She determined that she was and through her faith and recognition of Jesus as Lord knew that he could heal her daughter. Because of her great and persistent faith, Jesus healed the girl.

Reflection for Parents
Sometimes we don't hear our children the first time they tell us something. Maybe we're distracted or we just "tune them out." These are important years to listen carefully to our children. Their faith and trust in us is demonstrated by the conversations they seek.

Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
Share stories about people of other religions who are experiencing troubling times in their lives. You may find stories in the newspaper or news magazines, or learn about them from other media. Try to imagine a family of that faith looking, caring and acting much like your own family. Share ideas about what they might be saying to each other, what they might be feeling, fearing, thinking, or praying.

Discussion Starters

1. I once saw someone demonstrate faith as deep as the mother's faith in today's Gospel when . . .
2. I was touched once by someone's faith that was different from mine when . . .
3. A time I prayed to God with the same faith of the woman in today's Gospel was when . . .