How often do we endure unnecessary difficulty because we’re afraid to ask for help? Jesus taught his disciples, “Ask, and you shall receive.” (Mt. 7:7) The apostle James chided early believers: “You do not have, because you do not ask.” (Js. 4:2) Today’s Gospel tells of the remarkable faith of a Canaanite woman who would not give up asking Jesus for help, even when he seemed to be putting her off. Isaiah proclaimed long ago God’s desire to bring people of every nation into His holy house. God grant us a persevering faith that never stops asking Him for help, or expecting it!