Franklin Roosevelt once said, "When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." In today's Gospel we hear about a woman who is desperate for help. Her daughter is tormented, and she believes that Jesus can help.

She first tries to attract Jesus' attention by calling out to Him, but finds herself ignored. She keeps calling. Jesus says that he was sent only to the people of Israel, rather than to her people. Yet, she refuses to be denied. She humbly kneels before Jesus and asks for his help. Jesus indicates that it does not seem appropriate for him to help her, a Gentile. Yet the woman is persistent. She turns Jesus' own analogy of the dog at the family table into a justification for mercy and help. Jesus responds, "Woman, great is your faith!"

When our attempts to gain what we need in life are frustrated, it can be tempting to give up. When our prayers seem to go unanswered and unacknowledged, it can be difficult to keep praying. The Canaanite woman is a model of faith and prayer. In spite of difficulties, she keeps on seeking Christ's help. In the end, her faith is rewarded.