Lectio Divina: For the 20th Week In Ordinary Time

Please read slowly and reflectively.

Slowly count to five at the end of each line.

A READING FROM THE GOSPEL OF JESUS ACCORDING TO MATTHEW (FIRST READER ONLY)

A CANAANITE WOMAN CRIED OUT TO JESUS,/

"HAVE PITY ON ME! MY DAUGHTER IS TORMENTED BY A DEMON."/

JESUS DID NOT ANSWER HER./

THE DISCIPLES SAID, " SEND HER AWAY. SHE KEEPS SHOUTING AFTER US."/

HE SAID,"I WAS SENT ONLY TO THE LOST SHEEP OF ISRAEL."/

BUT THE WOMAN WAS ALREADY KNEELING BEFORE JESUS. "SIR, HELP ME."/

"IT IS NOT RIGHT TO TAKE THE BREAD FROM THE CHILDREN AND THROW IT TO THE DOGS", HE SAID./

"EVEN THE DOGS EAT THE CRUMBS THAT FALL FROM THE MASTER'S TABLE," SHE SAID./

HE SAID,"WOMAN, HOW GREAT IS YOUR FAITH!/

IT WILL BE AS YOU WISH."/

HER DAUGHTER WAS HEALED AT THAT MOMENT./