Self-fulfilling despair

Sometimes it is easy to despair, especially in times like these.

As believers, we know that despair is a trap that blocks us from God’s grace and the infinite possibilities of His merciful will.

Indeed, many times, despair can be self-fulfilling, as it is in today’s first reading (Numbers 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35) when the Children of Israel despair of entering the land God has promised them, effectively blocking God’s promise, and dooming themselves to death in the desert.

On the other hand, in today's Gospel (Matthew 15:21-28), a woman consumed with stress and worry perseveres even in the face of what seems like a rebuff from Christ and he faith is rewarded with a miracle.

Despair and presumption are two sides to the same deadly coin.

We need to be clear about reality, we need to be prudent in our judgments, AND we need to be faithful to God – always and in everything – no matter what.