Jesus' meeting with the Syrophoenicean woman happened because word quickly spread, "Jesus, the Nazorean, is here!" Even in the area of Tyre, situated along the Mediterranean Sea, more than 80 miles northwest of Jerusalem, word of his power was not unknown. Clearly some time off by the seashore was interrupted by an "outsider." He had come to care for the Jewish people not others considered "outsiders." But like any genuine mother, the woman speaks to the point: "My daughter is possessed by an evil spirit. You can heal her." She made clear to him, outside or not, that she felt he had the power to heal her if he wanted to do so. What we see in this lady is a genuine, strong faith in the man from the south.
This is another instance in Mark's gospel where the evangelist focuses our attention on faith, an individual's strong belief in Jesus and his teachings. Of course, as I pray, I begin to evaluate my own faith. Do I take my faith for granted? Is it something like the underwear that we dress in each day? Once we put it on, it is not thought of again until we undress. People of faith, men and women quite aware of their gift of faith are unlike people without much awareness of their faith. Although they are confronted by the same problems or challenges, people who take their faith seriously are usually very bright and glowing, very happy men and women. And why? They usually do not wear their faith on their sleeves. They wear it in the way they live their lives -- always trusting, always believing that Jesus is walking with them. In the course of a day, how often do I give any attention to Jesus' presence in my life? Ever more than twice? The Alleluia verse before today's gospel might help:
"Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls."
