The Cold Shoulder of Jesus

"This is a little uncharacteristic of Jesus," explained the priest this morning as he opened his homily on the gospel reading from Matthew 15:21-28. Jesus had just ignored the request of a woman who was pleading with Him about her daughter's demon possession. Worse yet, when the disciples urged Christ to "get rid of her", instead of rebuking them, he backed them up by saying, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."

OK - it's no real news flash that I often don't understand Jesus' words or actions recorded in the various Gospels. I've kinda gotten used to that over the course of my Christian journey. But this morning, it was this suffering woman's response that really shocked me. In response to Jesus' cold shoulder her response was to worship Him. When those words from the gospel sunk in this morning, my pettiness rose to the surface like dross. All the times I have bitched, whined, complained, cursed, vented, rolled my eyes, and pouted were suddenly exposed for exactly what they are - pathetic examples of my inexcusable lack of faith. The reason for Jesus "uncharacteristic action" was clear - He was giving this woman an opportunity to demonstrate faith.

I became troubled, realizing the countless times I have squandered such opportunities in my life. I even cried a little - tears of shame and sorrow that after all God has done for me, I still do not trust Him. But I refuse to despair. I am still alive. I have not died in my sins. God has granted me the strength and intention to wash myself in tears rather than drown in them. He will be giving me more opportunities to respond to the hard things in life with faith. Glory be to God for all things!