A reflection on Matthew 15: 21-28 by Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB
Through the scriptures we see that the power of women is their persuasion. Think of all the instances throughout scripture that tell us of the persuasion – both good and bad – of women. Eve did not persuade Adam to be good!
Why are women religious so valuable to the Church? It is the prayer of persuasion. Intercessory prayer is truly the prayer of persuasion. We see it in the Gospel with the Canaanite woman; she persuades Christ himself to do what he did not intend to do. It was her words of confidence – nothing was going to put her off – because she was praying for her daughter, whom she loved. When we pray with that same tenacity, and God hears our conversation, what could not be granted us? We have the power to pray with Mary, that the world be converted and returned to the hands of God. Why do you think evil fights the contemplative life? It has the power to persuade God to save His people.
We have the power of prayer that is mighty. When we go to prayer, when we pray together, we have the power to persuade God. Speak that way! Let our conversations reflect this. When we speak confidently to God, we walk in the trail of Mary and honor our vocation as persuaders of God. That is true intercessory prayer; and no prayer is small. The greater the trust, the greater the answer. Believe it in your heart and you will see your own persuasion over the Heart of Christ.