Such Faith

 

 

  Luke 7:1-10

 Jesus Heals a Centurion's Servant

7 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. ² Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. ³ When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. ⁴ And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, ⁵ for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” ⁶ And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. ⁷ Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. ⁸ For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” ⁹ When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” ¹⁰ And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

The centurion, nameless for the centuries, stands out as an exceptional man. A Roman centurion, itself indicating  dedication and leadership, but one who endeared himself to the people of Capernaum by his love of their nation and his building of their synagogue. His faith and humility, "just say the word" and "I am not worthy to have you come under my roof" stand out here and his words have become part of the Mass as we prepare to receive communion. His confidence in Jesus moved him to cure the servant. Would that we had an ounce of his qualities. But why not? We can begin today by reflecting on these verses and pray that we might imitate what we ponder.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, let me learn faith, humility and confidence that my prayer might be more effective in bringing healing to myself and others. Amen.