Be bold

Scripture: And (Jesus) said to her, "The children should be fed first, because it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to little dogs." But she spoke up, "Ah yes, sir," she replied, "but little dogs under the table eat the scrapes from the children." Mark 7:27-28

Prayer: Help me to be bold in requesting guidance and clarity.

Response: Yes, boldness in faith is what you are encouraged to achieve. How else to keep from being a placid lamb, moving left, then right, at the direction of a shepherd who is not quite sure where to pasture. Be demanding, but with patience, to know the truth. Do not work on rumors or simple prejudices drawn from a history lacking forgiveness.

Be bold when confronted with injustice, and do not look around in fright or perhaps embarrassment for authority from one who is still in the shadows memorizing phrases taken out of context. How else to witness the truth?

Finally, what you are to ask for, even demand in prayer, is the food for life eternal—and not some feel good remedy. This is not a time to wait docile in line with eyes lowered. You might be surprised to discover that in times like this—with violence evident in your midst as well as far distant shores—you are called to stand-up and question, or in other words—to witness. And like the Syro-Phoenician woman who confronted Jesus, you will be rewarded in witnessing the healing—being present and conscious— for which you pray.