On the Second Sunday in Lent—Reminiscere (“Remember”)—the Church cries out from Psalm 25: “Remember, O Lord, Your mercy.”

In this episode, we proclaim a sermon drawn from the House Postil of Martin Luther, focusing on the Gospel of the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:21–28). Here we see a faith that refuses to die—even when Christ seems distant, silent, or severe.

Why does Christ appear to ignore her?

Why does He speak so sharply?

Why does He call her a dog—only to praise her faith?

Luther shows us that God sometimes hides Himself in order to draw out a bold, desperate, unyielding faith. This is the faith that argues with God using His own promises. The faith that clings to crumbs. The faith that refuses to let go until blessing comes.

If you have ever felt abando ...