I have been a student for most of my life, and I remain a student even now. Along that journey, I have often heard the wisdom not to judge by appearance or to summarize a book by its cover. The contrast between the women in today’s first reading, referring to Solomon’s foreign wives (1 Kings 11:4-13), and the woman in the Gospel (Mark 7:24-30), clarifies what it truly means to give people the space to reveal who they are despite their roots.
The woman in the Gospel was not a Jew; she was Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth. Yet she challenged expectations by manifesting a depth of faith that surprised even those closest to Jesus, and her persistence enabled her to speak boldly despite a conversation that could have easily felt dismissive or harsh. The woman’s faith empowered her to make her request with humility and courage, and she received her miracle with quiet contentment.
Challenges similar to hers still unfold in our own time, when faith must push through misunderstanding, cultural barriers, or moments that feel like rejection. Are we able to keep searching for Jesus even when it seems that he “did not want anyone to know about it”? Her story invites us to pause and reflect as we face human struggles, whether our own or those of people close to us. Always remember, brothers and sisters, that authentic faith often emerges where others least expect to find it. Do not let prejudices prevent you from taking advantage of opportunities to receive favors.
