The Faith of the Canaanite Woman

Jesus withdraws to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman cries out to him: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a demon.” Jesus does not answer her a word. The disciples press him: “Send her away; for she crieth after us.” He answers: “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” She bows down before him: “Lord, help me!” He adds: “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She does not give up: “Yes, Lord, yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus says to her: “O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” From that very hour, her daughter is healed.