Persistence Prevails

The bothersome Canaanite woman was a thorn both in the sides of the disciples and of Jesus, at first.  The disciples urged him to  "send her away" and he simply did not say a word to her. As she persisted, he explained that he had come to the house of Israel, and it was not right to take their food and give it to the dogs.  Could be taken as an insult, but she continued with the line that convinced Jesus to answer her request as well as to give a marvelous example to the disciples, that even the "bothersome" deserve their attention and compassion:   Yes, even those "dogs" who eat the scrap that fall from their master's table can have the faith that causes Jesus to work miracles.  (Cf. Mt 15: 21-28).  
As Marists, and disciples of St. Marcellin, our "territory" is with the "dogs" of society, those on the fringes, those in the poverty of ignorance, especially of their faith.  We need to be as persistent with them as the Canaanite woman was with Jesus.  As she eventually convinced him, so by our presence, example, and word, we will convince them and bring them  'round to the table to eat as members of the family.
Bro. Rene