The Book of Numbers has some fascinating scenes concerning the exodus. When the Hebrews reconnoitered the Promised Land they were intimidated by the inhabitants. “All the people we saw there are huge, veritable giants; we felt like mere grasshoppers.” Because they doubted themselves, their worth and value, their ability and strength, the people could not see a way forward. They needed many years in the desert to strengthen their resolve. When we feel like grasshoppers, small and insignificant in the face of the forces opposing our happiness, we can lose heart. We need to learn the lesson of the Syro-Phoenician woman in the gospel. She knew her insignificance but she also knew what God could do. We are called to the same kind of faith.
