I start every day pestering God to keep my family safe and begging help for friends who are suffering various traumas.  It’s sort of a broken record.

Fortunately today’s readings assure us that God welcomes such persistent pleadings. 

Today’s Gospel is one of my favorites even though it doesn’t showcase Jesus at his most compassionate. The woman is on a mission to save her daughter. She’s convinced Jesus can do it and won’t let a bunch of annoyed guys stand in her way.  What guts! What a role model! If Jesus regards such persistence as a test of faith, the message to us is clear. 

Never give up, especially pleading for others. God will answer. 

The psalm suggests the nature that answer might take. “I will turn their mourning into joy. I will console and gladden them after their sorrows.” 

Life is tough, sometimes horribly tough. I’m thinking of a friend and former colleague whose daughter barely escaped with her life after being brutally raped, shot and left for dead.  I can’t even fathom the anguish Mike and his wife Barb have suffered. But Mike, a newspaper columnist, has written far more about his daughter’s faith and courage and the kindness of friends and strangers than anything else. Bridget seems to be recovering and is an inspiration to all who hear her story.

“I will turn their mourning into joy. I will console and gladden them after their sorrows.” 

Keep pestering God to protect those you love. Have confidence that these prayers will be answered one way or another and say a prayer for the Kelly family.