Today's story about the Canaanite woman has much to teach us. For the Jews, the word "Canaan" represented all that was idolatrous and religiously corrupt. The attitude of the Jews is partly reflected in the way that Jesus, Himself a devout Jew, pays no attention to the woman. But she persists in begging for help for her afflicted daughter. Even the disciples want to get rid of her because she is so bothersome. When she does get through to Jesus He tells her it is not right to give the children's food to the 'dogs'. Non-Jews, because they ate food which Jews regarded as unclean, were equated with scavenging 'dogs'. Yes, she responds, but even the dogs are allowed to pick up the crumbs that fall from the table. Jesus is touched by the depth of her faith and her daughter is immediately healed. The story touches on three important points: the need for continuing and persevering prayer; the need for deep faith and trust in God's care for us; God's love ultimately extends to people of every race and condition and religion. All three should be part of our Christian living.