March 5, 2023 - Reminiscere Sermon

Reminiscere
Introit: Ps. 25:1-2a, 7-8, 11; antiphon: Ps. 25:6, 2b, 22
Gradual: Ps. 25:17-18
Old Testament: Gen. 32:22-32
Psalm 121 (antiphon: vv. 1-2)
Epistle: 1 Thess. 4:1-7
      or Rom. 5:1-5\rTract: Ps. 106:1-4
Gospel: Matt. 15:21-28

Holding God to His Word\rJacob wrestled with God; he would not let Him go until he received a blessing from Him (Gen. 32:22-32). So it was with the Canaanite woman. Though Jesus seemed to ignore and reject her, she continued to call upon His name and look to Him for help (Mt. 15:21-28). Even when the Lord called her a little dog, she held on to Him in faith and would not let Him wriggle out of His words: "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." This Gentile woman shows herself to be a true Israelite, who struggles with God and man in Christ and prevails. "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire" (Mt. 15:27-28). This is the sanctifying will of God (1 Thess. 4:1-7)-to test your faith in order that it may be refined and strengthened. For tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope. And hope in Christ does not disappoint (Rom. 5:1-5).