We are challenged to contemplate once again the everlasting nature of God's love for all people no matter whom they are or where they live. Every day of our lives we are surrounded by the unconditional love of God and over the years we have tended to take this love for granted. In the first Reading we see how God assisted the clans of Israel to rebuild their lives even after the most horrible calamities had befallen them. Though our troubles today may seem far removed from those described in the readings nevertheless we are confronted by obstacles every day of our lives. It is worthwhile to reflect that very often we take God's love for granted and only turn to Him when we are truly in trouble, such as facing incurable illness. Instead we should be grateful for all the wonderful things He has provided for us simply because He loves us with a deep abiding love. The Canaanite woman had faith in Jesus' great love for all peoples and so was prepared to go to great lengths to see if He would assist her daughter. All of us need to come to a realization that, without any exception, we are precious in God's eyes every day of our lives. When everything seems to be blackest in our lives God is there and God is listening.