GOSPEL:  Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus left that place and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And suddenly out came a Canaanite woman from that district and started shouting, 'Lord, Son of David, take pity on me. My daughter is tormented by a devil.' But he said not a word in answer to her. And his disciples went and pleaded with him, saying, 'Give her what she wants, because she keeps shouting after us.' He said in reply, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.' But the woman had come up and was bowing low before him. 'Lord,' she said, 'help me.' He replied, 'It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to little dogs.' She retorted, 'Ah yes, Lord; but even little dogs eat the scraps that fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus answered her, 'Woman, you have great faith. Let your desire be granted.' And from that moment her daughter was well again.

REFLECTION
This week we experience a side of Jesus that we do not expect. Jesus and his disciples withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. As they were walking along, a Canaanite woman came to Jesus. She called out to him, begging Jesus: “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me! My daughter is possessed and the demon is tormenting her!” However, Jesus did not even acknowledge her presence or her plea.

The woman did not give up. She continued to call out to Jesus. Finally, his disciples went to Jesus and told him to send the woman away. Jesus’ response to them was curt. He said: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

The woman persisted. She did him homage and said: “Lord, help me.” Jesus refused. He told the woman that he could not take food from the children of Israel and “throw it to the dogs” (for the Gentiles typically were called “dogs” because they worshiped idols). However, the woman was determined. She told Jesus: “Even dogs eat the scraps that fall from the master’s table.” She begged him to throw a few scraps to her beloved daughter. Jesus was amazed at her faith, her persistence, and her deep love for her daughter. Jesus then tells her: “Let it be done for you as you wish.” Immediately, her daughter was healed!

What are the scraps you desire from Jesus’ table? How persistent are you with Jesus? Today may we be as persistent with Jesus as this mother was. May we trust that Jesus will not disappoint us! (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)

THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION
Last Saturday we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption.  5/6ML prepared a beautiful prayer service for our school community to celebrate this special day. If you have not had the opportunity to view it it already, please find the link below.
https://safeYouTube.net/w/IEDR

YASS VALLEY SPIN FOUNDATION PAJAMA DAY
Thanks to your generosity, the Mt Carmel School Community raised a total of $440 to support the Yass Valley SPIN Foundation during our recent pajama day. I'd like to thank all families for their generosity in supporting this great cause.

God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator