20 AUGUST 2023 - Only By Grace Reflections

NOTE: Please click the Subscribe key on YouTube and press the black notification bell to receive the daily reflections. Or, open in YouTube for easy access. View and Like. Thank you. TOPIC: WILL I STOP PRAYING IF MY PRAYERS REMAIN UNANSWERED? First Reading: Isaiah 56: 1, 6-7 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8 Second Reading: Romans 11: 13-15, 29-32 Alleluia: Matthew 4: 23 Gospel: Matthew 15: 21-28 Today’s gospel Mt 15:21-28  invites us to pray unceasingly with utmost humility, patiently and persistently even when our prayers remain unanswered.  The gospel today tells us the story of a Canaanite woman who humbly approached to ask for help for her demon-possessed daughter.  Initially, Jesus seems to dismiss her, saying that he was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.  However, the woman persisted and humbly responded that even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the master’s table.  Impressed by her faith and persistence, Jesus said in reply…  "O woman, great is your faith!  Let it be done for you as you wish."  And the woman's daughter was healed from that hour.   We look at the example of Saint Monica who never stopped praying, even when her prayer remained unanswered for many years.  After many years of prayer, Saint Monica finally saw her son give his life to the service of God. St. Augustine declared that his mother’s resilience and dedication to prayer is what led him to become the man of God he was meant to be. He stated that St. Monica was not only his mother, but “the source of his Christianity.”  Truly, there is power in praying with utmost humility, unceasingly, patiently, and persistently!  This is the 1213th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings. [NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Israel Silud, as he brings us today's reflection. All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS] #OnlyByGraceReflections #CFC #CouplesForChrist