Faith is the virtue that overcomes ideas and systems. Jesus came for the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Even the Canaanite woman calls him the Son of David, recognizing his Israelite heritage. But her faith in Jesus breaks down even the expectations of Christ himself. Personally, I think Jesus presented it as a challenge, to see if she would rise to the occasion. How often do we get challenged in our faith, where our faith in God is presented the opportunity to shine forth in a culture that pretty much sends the message to shut it down Monday-Saturday. And Sundays are okay as long as you keep your faith within the walls of the structure. Our faith is challenged every day to rise to the occasion. Whether it’s relationships – the big one; work-related; our generosity; health-related; having a heart for the poor, the immigrant, and the refugee, rather than judging them harshly, which we are commanded to not do. Every day, numerous times, we get challenged in our Catholic faith, small and large. Jesus sounding harsh – “Please move on, woman. I’m here only for the house of Israel.” This intentional response to her healing request challenged her to rise to the occasion. To the occasion of steadfast, abiding faith. The Lord said, “You have faith in me to heal your daughter? Let’s see how deep that faith really is.” And find out he did. For ourselves, we know we have faith in Jesus as Savior and Redeemer. If anyone asked us, “Do you have faith in Christ?” who of us here is going to answer “no.” We’re all going to say “yes.” Some louder than others, but all of us would say “yes.” And let’s not forget there are many people walking around today who will say “no” to that question. Where there is no internal light at the moment. So, there we are with our faith, the first of the theological virtues, and Jesus says, “I want you to show me how persevering your faith is. I’m going to challenge you. I am here only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel. A group, Mrs. Canaanite, you do not belong to.” Do we rise to the occasion, or do we walk away when seemingly rejected? In this incredible Gospel encounter, the fact that this Canaanite woman is a mother who seeks healing for her ill daughter allows for her faith to rise to the occasion. The advantage of being a mother who loves her daughter unconditionally, who would walk along the bottom of the ocean from one end to the other to ensure healing for her daughter, that advantage cannot be overestimated when it comes to persevering in one’s faith. That’s a great reason to chance it and stick it out. A loving mother will do anything for the good of the child they love. So will a loving father. Our Lord’s goal, despite the harsh words, is to draw from the mother of this ill daughter, an abiding faith that will carry her through the rest of her years. A faith she will share with her daughter. Like the Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob, this is the moment of truth. The one time in her life where she will either advance, or cave to the words of Jesus. Only tough-minded people will advance. The wimps will cave in and become violent toward God and others. We’re seeing much of that reaction right now. She’s a tough-minded mother; “Lord, even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” That’s more than wisdom. That’s raising your faith. It’s courageous and persevering. And Jesus smiled.