The story of Jesus’ healing of a Canaanite woman's daughter illustrates the power of prayer. 

"Unceasing and persistent prayer is powerful and is answered,” Bishop Gregory Parkes said in a letter published in the Aug. 16 bulletin from Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in St. Petersburg. “It may not be the answer we want, but we trust that it is the will of God.”

The pagan Canaanite woman's daughter received healing from a demon’s torment because her mother went to Jesus to get his help; Parkes, the spiritual leader of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, said in the bulletin's 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time edition.

“Jesus took the opportunity to show that His saving works were not only for the Jews, but for all people regardless of their nationality, belief, or unbelief,” Parkes said in the bulletin. “The woman showed faith, earnestly and unceasingly praying, and Jesus answered her prayer.”