“Let the children first be fed, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” And he said to her, “For this saying you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Thursday 13th February 2025 – MARK 7:24-30.
So, did Christ really made reference to the Syrophoenician woman to a dog?
Christ referencing her to a dog (as that was how Gentiles were called then) is equally offensive to a Caucasian in present day USA calling someone from African American descend a nigger.
Yet, she remained resolute and restrained herself from getting into a tirade of rants.
Some of us would be like, “Abeg! Abeg! Abeg! Make you match break there. Wetin dey worry you sef? No this small miracle wey I beg you to work for my pikin nahim go make you to come dey insult me any how. This foreigner like you.”
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.” – PROVERBS 15:1.
The woman was persistent, wise, discerning, gentle and humble. And upon all, she was trusting and believing.
At the end, did she get what she wanted? Of course she did.
Christ Jesus was impressed by her sterling qualities including her faith and persistence.
Remember my dear friend, a gentle answer turns away wrath.
Although, to some, we may come across as cowards or easy pushovers.
Nevertheless, it must not be lost on us that, more often than not, it is mostly deep thinking and discerning people who are capable of returning a gentle answer even to the most gross provocations.
Dear friend, be suitably and properly informed.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
-Akase F. Agabo
13th February 2025.