self, but for her daughter. Her prayer was earnest, for she cried out after our Lord. Lastly, her prayer was constant, for although often repulsed, she persisted in her entreaty. Let this be the model of your prayers.
II. At first Christ seemed to address her harshly. " It is not good to take the bread of the children and cast it to the dogs." (Matt. xv. 26.) He thus wished to exercise her virtue and to try her perseverance. God often acts in the same manner with us, because, as St. Gregory remarks, " He loves to be entreated, He wishes to be forced, and desires to be overcome by importunities." Remark, admire, and imitate the woman's humility. Let your prayers be always attended by this virtue, for " the prayer of him that humbleth himself, shall penetrate the clouds, and he will not depart till the Most High behold." (Ecclus. xxxv. 19.)
III. Christ yielded at length to the woman's pious importunity, after having first commended her faith. "O woman, great is thy faith; be it done to thee as thou wilt." (Matt. xv. 28.) Perhaps your soul like this woman's daughter is afflicted with an evil spirit. He is afflicted with this spirit, who yields to troubles and temptations, but he who overcomes them is harassed to his greater merit. Beg, therefore, courage and strength to conquer them, and pray as this woman did, in order that "it may be done to thee as thou wilt."
