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Wednesday, August 7, 2024

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Pope St. Sixtus II
St. Cajetan


Jeremiah 31:1-7
Jeremiah 31:10-13
Matthew 15:21-28

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“help me, lord!” (mt 15:25)

“Lord, Son of David, have pity on me!” —Matthew 15:22

The Canaanite woman obtained the healing she requested of Jesus by referencing scraps (Mt 15:27). She compared her request to that of a dog which eats the scraps that fall from the table of the chosen ones.  Jesus cares about scraps. Twice He had the disciples pick up the scraps that had fallen from the multiplied loaves and fishes (Mt 14:20; Mk 8:8).

God did not send humanity a mere scrap that fell from His table. He sent His Son (Jn 3:16) to redeem us. Sadly, we threw Jesus on the scrap-heap of the cross. Jesus Himself became a scrap, a broken piece of Bread for us.

You may feel like your life is on the scrap heap of this world. Nevertheless, God sees you. God has “age-old love” (Jer 31:3) for you, and has “pity” on you (Mt 9:36). Jesus is the embodiment of that pity and love. No scrap is beyond His notice, beyond His pity, beyond His age-old love. Bring your scraps to Jesus. With the faith of the Canaanite woman, cry out to Him, “Help me, Lord!” (Mt 15:25)

Prayer:  Help me, Lord! I trust in Your age-old love, Your pity, and Your providence.

Promise:  “Again I will restore you, and you shall be rebuilt.” —Jer 31:4

Praise:  Pope St. Sixtus II was pope only one year before he made the ultimate sacrifice of martyrdom for his Lord.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(We offer a retreat for those who are single for the Lord, Aug. 16-18. Discover your true identity, and experience peace in your heart with the knowledge and love for and from the Lord. Call 513-373-2397 to register or see www.presentationministries.com for more information.)

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