Wednesday of week 18 in Ordinary Time
Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28In today's Gospel, Jesus praises the Canaanite woman with these remarkable words: “Woman, you have great faith.” Her faith is humble, persevering, and completely confident in the mercy of Christ. She refuses to be discouraged by silence or apparent rejection because she knows that Jesus is her only hope. On the memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Church invites us to contemplate another woman of great faith: the Blessed Virgin Mary. Like the Canaanite woman, Mary trusted God's word even when she could not fully understand His plans. At the Annunciation, at Bethlehem, at Calvary, and beneath the Cross, her faith never wavered. She believed that God is always faithful, even when His ways remain mysterious. Great faith is not the absence of difficulties or questions; it is the unwavering decision to continue trusting God through them. Mary's entire life was a continual “yes” to the Lord, making her the perfect disciple and the model of every believer. As we honour the oldest Marian basilica in the West, we are reminded that the strongest foundation of the Christian life is not extraordinary experiences but a steadfast faith that clings to Christ with confidence. Like Mary, we are called to believe that God's love is greater than every obstacle and that those who persevere in faith will never be disappointed. Let’s reflect: Is my faith like Mary's, humble, persevering, and trusting in God's love even when I do not understand His ways?
Don Giorgio