Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 12,2026

Date:  Thursday of the 5^th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:   Mark 7:24-30

Jesus went to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel reading marks a huge shift in Christ’s mission from that of Messiah for Israel to universal savior. In extending His saving power and authority to the Syrophoenician woman, He demonstrated that loving grace was for the Gentiles as well as the Jews. We also learn from the woman the virtues of persistence and humility.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I inclusive of others, welcoming of others, recognizing the LORD’s love and mercy for them?

Praying:

LORD,  Almighty Father, You created us all; we are all your children. Send your Spirit to break down our barriers and tenderize our hearts so that we might better see the sisters and brothers You created rather than others different from us. Grant that we may follow Jesus’ example of inclusion and loving compassion. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, your beloved Son, who lives and reigns with  You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.