From Silence to Grace

by Fr. Jess Ty  |  08/16/2026  |  Weekly Reflection

Dear Family of God,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus’ seemingly harsh treatment to a Canaanite woman in the end brought out the best in her. She was determined no matter what and she got what she asked for. Jesus said of her: “O Woman great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour.

Brothers and sisters, the past experiences of trial and sufferings are a test of our faith too. We need to persevere in deepening our faith and knowledge of our God. But before all this happens, this deepening in our knowledge and faith in God, we have to deepen our knowledge of ourselves by saying, “Who am I in front of God?”

Do I take God’s discipline as punishment or as something necessary for growth? Does God’s seemingly delay of answering my prayers mean he is not listening, or is he letting me grow more in my desire of union with him, or grow my trust in him? If I am in that woman’s shoes, will I persevere like her, or easily give up at first encounter of resistance? Can I be humble like her and just go away protecting my ego?

Being a Christian is not for weaklings. To follow Jesus involves great sacrifices such as denying ourselves, and taking up our cross and following Jesus’ example of doing always the will of the Father and not his own will. As Saint Maximilian said, “Obedience is the only way to give Glory to God.” Doing the Father’s will is the highest priority of Jesus, it must be ours too.

May Our Lady of Joy, like her Son, always be willing to do God’s will and help us all.

Yours in Christ through Mary Immaculate.