Imagine sometimes, I know for me, I have to be careful of my first reaction. I’ve got to be careful of the first thing that comes to my heart or to my mind, because it may not be the most reflected reaction. I’ll be honest, it may not be the most reflected action.

In today’s Gospel, we hear about Jesus’ first reaction of the Canaanite woman. He doesn’t really want to have anything to do with her. Let’s be super honest. Jesus doesn’t want to have anything to do with her. But over time, when he sees her powerful faith, he absolutely reconsiders and brings her healing.

Especially when it comes to healing, we have to be cautious of our first reactions, I imagine. When we first get that diagnosis, shock and horror, perhaps. I can’t believe it, as opposed to perhaps trusting in Jesus’ healing accompaniment of us.

I had that reaction, not for myself, but for two women who I heard about a day apart. Two young women, both were diagnosed with breast cancer. One woman, I celebrated the marriage for her and her husband. She has four children, sure enough after the fourth child, diagnosis of breast cancer. And the next day, to hear about another young woman who just got married, they’re looking to have children, also diagnosed with breast cancer. Within two days, two diagnoses I heard about. And my first reaction was shock and horror. Shock, mostly. How could this be?

So I had to relook at my reaction to these young ladies who were looking for healing and looking for Jesus’ compassionate accompaniment in their lives. And I had to remind myself of that. And I had to remind the young ladies of the desire that Jesus has to bring them healing. And the desire that Jesus has to accompany them on their journey. Both are on their journey now, going through the typical chemotherapy and surgery and radiation, all that. They’re on their journey of healing.

And I had to look at my own first reaction and remember that I want to share with them what I believe. That Jesus offers us his healing touch. And that Jesus accompanies us on the challenges that we face in life. And don’t be down on yourself or disappointed if that’s not your first reaction. But let’s gather here and remember that we believe that. Jesus offers us his healing touch. And Jesus accompanies us on the journeys. The good ones and the challenging ones, Jesus accompanies us on the journey.

Jesus did exactly that for the Canaanite woman. His first reaction was, maybe not for you, but then he reconsidered and he certainly offered that Canaanite woman healing immediately for her daughter and accompanied them forever. So he does for us through Baptism. He offers us healing and accompaniment on our journey. Amen.