Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

As I write, much of the U.S. is socked into a cold, snowy mess.  Snow has covered the East coast, cold has frozen the Midwest and ice has paralyzed the South.  More weather systems keep coming in from the Northwest while rain is drowning the Southwest.  We can complain, of course, but we all chose to live where the jobs are and continue to trudge to work day after day hoping the next day is warmer.  On the other hand, I’ve found over the years that the announcement of a ‘snow day’ meets with the same jubilation at any age.  School age children jump for joy, teens relish in the extended sleep, and even faculty rejoice in the additional day to catch up with paperwork, grading and more.

My thoughts focus on the Gospel reading and the great faith the Greek woman had.  Because of her faith, Jesus gave her a ‘snow day.’  Just start over.  The demons are gone enabling her daughter to be well because of her faith.

We all need a snow day every once in a while.  If we can’t have the actual weather, perhaps thinking on Jesus will do give us the hope of a new start. 

“Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.”