I make a living with words, so often I find myself struggling with verbosity, proclaiming grandiose concepts using eloquent language that may unintentionally serve to obfuscate my intended meaning. That is to say, sometimes I talk too much. So I was surprised by what I learned from the Canaanite woman in today’s Gospel selection.
Her daughter is suffering, tormented by a demon. She entreats Jesus — who she knows in her heart and soul can save the child — but she’s rebuffed. And then, rather than trying to muster more persuasive words or eloquent language, her plea is plaintive and simple:
“Lord, help me.”
Think about that.
Yes, there’s a value in long, elaborate entreaties to our Lord. Putting into words exactly what we want can be a valuable exercise in forcing us to confront exactly how we might look to God for aid.
But, at the end of the day, the All-Knowing, Almighty Master of Creation knows what’s in our hearts and minds. All that’s really essential is to vocalize the tugging of our heart.
“Lord, help me.”
God knows the specifics; He knows what is best for you . . . for your salvation and the world. Often, he just needs us to trust in Him to begin working miracles of healing and salvation.
And that trust doesn’t need to be a 12-step program, or a dedicated prayer service, or an hour-long session with the rosary.
The path to having God in your life can begin with a simple step. Before we read the Gospel selection in Mass, we perform the sign of the cross on our mind, lips, and heart. And having those elements unified can make it possible to give life to the idea, to fulfill what our hearts seek, to give that prayer voice.
“Lord, help me.”
Now, this need not represent the entirety of the dialog with God. The Canaanite woman comes back with her own cleverness in replying to Jesus. (“Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.”) But a simple heartfelt prayer is a great start, the first step in a life of hope, of renewal, of healing.
Perhaps even more inspirational, the Canaanite woman knew that she wasn’t “worthy” of the Lord’s blessings. But she entreated him anyway, relying on her faith to save her and her daughter.
Regardless of where you are in your life, all that’s required is a desire to turn or return to the Lord. Even if you think you’re not worthy, God is waiting for you. Even if you’ve committed grave sins, God is waiting to work through His priests to forgive your sins and lead you to the Light. All that’s needed is an earnest heart and a heartfelt prayer.
“Lord, help me.”
Don’t be a prisoner of your own doubts, your own fears about getting prayers “wrong” or not saying the right things.
The Ever-Loving Father knows our hearts, and knows when we’re earnest in our desire to return.
The words that began a conversation with Jesus those millennia ago are still available to us.
“Lord, help me.”
It’s always been enough for the Lord; all that’s needed is your heart and mind to recognize the possibility that awaits.
Today’s readings: Jer 31:1-7; Jer 31:10,11-12AB,13; Mt 15:21-28
