Scott Peck begins his book "The Road Less Travelled" with this first sentence: Life is difficult. When we are challenged with insurmountable problems such as physical illnesses or mental health issues, loss of loved ones, infidelity in marriages, financial crisis, or when our prayers sometimes seem unanswered and everything seems to be getting worse, defeat and despair start staring us right in the face. Do we still have the faith to trust with all our hearts that His purpose will be fulfilled in our lives?

Reflecting and praying over the conversation between Jesus and the Canaanite woman in today's gospel reading will help us to shift our perspective and attitude when we are confronted with storms in our lives. Jesus meets a Canaanite woman in the region of Tyre and Sidon. She pleads with Him to heal her daughter who is possessed by demons. Three times Jesus rejects her request. Jesus is silent and insists that His mission is only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. If I were in her situation, I would probably have left in despair and disappointment.

Yet, the Canaanite woman has no resentment but, with great humility, acquiesces to the role of a dog in relation to Israel, to have a share in the healing mercy of God for her daughter, despite what others perceive her to be. Her faith is great as it touches the heart of the Son of God deep to His core that He realises He has come for all, not for the Jews only. Instantly, Jesus praises her great faith, and her daughter is healed. Love, faith, and humility are the essential ingredients — even prayer is simple.