In a paper Chisian codex of the fifteenth century, the sermon which we publish as no. 108 is attributed to Saint Maximus. Those cities to which the Lord came signify this world, into which the Lord came for our salvation, that He might free us from the power of the devil. And that woman signifies the holy Church gathered from the Gentiles. That woman is called Canaanite for this reason, that she was born of the stock of Canaan, who was the son of Noah, who was cursed by his father. Let us hear what this woman cries out after the Lord. 'Have mercy on me, Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed by a demon' (Matt. 15). So great was the faith which this woman had;
that she did not bring her daughter with her to the Lord, nor invite Him to come to her, but firmly believed that, if God willed, He could grant health to her daughter. By the daughter of this woman we ought to understand each and every sinful soul, which daily is vexed by the devil, which is subject to vices and all evil works. For those who are the teachers of the Church ought always to admonish and rebuke those who do the works of the devil, and to pray for them, just as this woman prayed for her daughter. But the Lord answered her not a word. For such reasons the Lord was unwilling to answer the woman. First, that He might prove her constancy, whether she would persevere in prayer.
Secondly, that He might take away occasion from the Jews, lest they should say: 'Christ was promised to us, and yet this one teaches the Gentiles and heals them; therefore we are unwilling to believe in Him.' Thirdly, that He might prove the minds of the disciples, and provoke them to mercy. And the disciples coming besought Him, saying: 'Send her away, for she cries out after us.' As if they said: Send away sins, and grant virtues. After the woman heard the holy apostles pleading for her, at once with great confidence she came to the Lord, and adored Him, saying: 'Lord, help me.' He answering said: 'It is not good to take the bread of the children and to cast it to the dogs.' This He says:
It is not good that the teaching of God be withdrawn from the Jews, who have always adored the Lord, in order that it be given to you, who are Gentiles and pagans, and have always served the devil. Yet the woman, wisely understanding what the Lord said, answered thus with humility: 'Yea, Lord.' This is to say: Truly I know, Lord, and I believe that it is so as you say. Certainly we are not worthy to receive the bread of the children, we who always adore idols. But for this reason I speak, because you have deigned to come into the world to show your grace upon us Gentiles. 'For even the little dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from the table of their masters.' She had faith, because, although she was a Gentile, she believed that the Lord could grant health to her daughter.
She had patience, because, when the Lord repulsed her, she persevered so long in prayer until she received what she sought. She had humility, because, when the Lord compared her to dogs, she herself equated herself with the little dogs. After our Redeemer saw the faith of this woman to be so great, He said to her: 'O woman, great is your faith; be it done to you as you will.' We ought to take an example, dearest brethren, from this woman; that just as she remained firm in prayer, so we may daily persevere in all good works; and just as she prayed to the Lord, so let us pray to God, that He may deign to free our minds from the snares of the devil.