5th of August 2026 Wednesday in the Eigtheenth Week of the Ordinary Time, Year II Jer 31:1-7 Mt 15:21-28 One of the easiest ways to lose a blessing is to become offended too quickly. Think about it. How many people have lost good jobs because they could not tolerate correction from their boss? How many marriages have broken down because a husband or wife chose offence instead of forgiveness? How many young people have abandoned their education because a lecturer embarrassed them in class? How many people have stopped coming to church because someone ignored them, a priest corrected them, or another parishioner spoke harshly to them? They walked away, not realizing that they were also walking away from a blessing. The Canaanite woman in the *Gospel* faced several opportunities to become offended. Jesus did not answer her. The disciples wanted to send her away. Then Jesus' words sounded harsh. If she had reacted the way many of us do today, she would have said, "If this is how they treat people here, I am leaving." She would have returned home with her daughter still suffering. Instead, she looked beyond the offence. She believed that behind the apparent rejection was a compassionate Saviour. She remained humble, persisted in faith, and received the miracle she came for. The *First Reading* tells a similar story. Israel could have concluded that exile meant God had rejected them forever. Instead, God assured them, "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Their painful experience was not the end of their story; restoration was already on the way. Friends, don't let a moment of offence make you lose a lifetime of blessing. A harsh word, a misunderstanding, or a delay can tempt us to make decisions we later regret. Learn to distinguish between correction and rejection. Not everyone who challenges you hates you. Sometimes God uses correction to prepare you for greater responsibilities. Don't make permanent decisions because of temporary emotions. Many resign from jobs, leave marriages, abandon businesses, or stop worshipping because of feelings that would have passed if they had exercised patience. Mature faith sees beyond the offence. It asks, "Lord, what are You trying to teach me through this experience?" instead of asking only, "Why did this happen to me?" God bless us all