Jesus Conversion Story

"Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the district of Tyre and Sidon. And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, 'Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.' But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, 'Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us.' But He answered and said, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, 'Lord, help me!' And He answered and said, 'It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.' But she said, 'Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus said to her, 'O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.' And her daughter was healed at once."

I have often struggled with this gospel. Jesus turns his back on the woman, this mother begging for help for her daughter. This mornings homily from Father Ed at St. Mary's brought much clarity. Understanding the culture of the time helps shed light on this story. Often times the Canaanites were called Pagan dogs, outside the holy land of Israel. They were looked down on, second class citizens to say the least. So Jesus following the customs of the time turned her away. Yet her faith, to stand before Him pleading for His intercession stirred His own heart. By calling him Son of David He realizes she believes Him to be the son of God through this messianic title, just like Bartimaeus did. When Jesus hears this call He has His own conversion moment. His ministry is changed from that time forward realizing His teachings have become more universal, more far reaching than He once thought. Her fidelity and persistence offers Him hope and He is moved to heal her daughter. Fr Ed believes this is the only conversion story of Jesus in the bible. Ever the provident teacher he shows us how to love outside the margins.