Then Jesus said to her in reply,
“O woman, great is your faith!
Let it be done for you as you wish.”
And her daughter was healed from that hour.
On other occasions I have looked at the humorous side of this lovely story, recalling how Jesus is called up short by this importunate woman. We can reflect on how her human need as a woman and a mother overwhelms his human reluctance and triggers a divine response.
Theologians have long pondered these two natures in Jesus -- the human and divine -- and how they relate to one another. Clearly, they are not opposed to each other like good and evil, beautiful and ugly, or fascinating and repellant. But his human nature does not have the knowledge of the height, depth, and breadth of God's wisdom and knowledge. Jesus has not yet imagined the enormity of God's mercy; perhaps he has yet to comprehend the sacrifice he will make.
He grows weary and impatient on occasion, and shows reluctance and lack of understanding on other occasions. In those instances his divine nature -- like our own generous impulses -- impel him past his hesitation. In Gethsemane, moments after collapsing in terrified despair, he will rise with confidence and commanding authority to meet his tormentors.
This little story is a gem for revealing the mercy of God which seemed in doubt for the briefest of moments before it leapt like a starburst before us. The Lord's hesitation disintegrates like an eggshell before this woman's great faith. His weary reluctance acts like the steel casing on a bomb which for an instant contains and intensifies the expanding gases before exploding. Without the casing the burning chemicals would fizzle; without his human nature we would certainly not see the spectacular, astonishing mercy which is both divine and human.
Without his surprise at the woman's great faith, we might not be surprised -- as we should be -- by God's overwhelming mercy.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.