WHAT THE CENTURION TEACH US ABOUT FAITH.
THE CONFIDENT FAITH OF THE CENTURION.
"When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying,
“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”
"He said to him, “I will come and cure him.”
The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
"When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 8: 5 - 11).
Monday 2nd December 2024 in the First Week in Advent.
Why does Jesus praise the faith of the Centurion? Faith is a rare commodity and one of the greatest gifts of God. The opposite of faith is Unbelief and Doubt.
How does faith work? Jesus said to the Centurion: “I will come and cure him.” The Centurion heard this and believed. The faith of the Centurion is much deeper. He said to Jesus for example: 'No need to come to my house. I am not worthy to host you. Just heal my servant with a word said right here, right now. I understand how authority works.'
How does Faith work?
Faith comes from hearing and believing the promises of God. As you obey the Divine Word or Command your faith is activated.
The Roman Centurion became a model of faith for the Church. This is why we use his words before Holy Communion.
When you hear these from the priest: “Blessed are you who are invited to the Supper of the Lord,” It is an opportunity for you to exercise your faith. You can answer: I am indeed blessed to be here. Thank You Jesus.
The Blessed Virgin Mary is a model of confidence in prayer. At the Marriage feast in Cana, she asked Jesus to perform a miracle to relieve the embarrassing shortage of wine. Jesus appeared reluctant. Mary told the stewards: "Do whatever He tells you." She was confident Jesus will comply with the wishes of His mother.
Here are 7 examples of demonstration of Faith from the Gospels to reflect on this Advent:
1. The Blessed Virgin Mary at the Annunciation.
2. The shepherds at the Nativity.
3. The 3 Magi at the Hut of the Holy Family.
4. Simeon and Anna at the Presentation.
5. The Calling of Matthew and Zacchaeus.
6. The Good Thief at the Crucifixion.
7. The Roman Soldier at the Crucifixion.
What is the common factor in all these 7 cases?
They heard about the power of Jesus. They believed. They acted with confidence. They got a miracle.
Happy Advent!
"Why do you think I have spoken to you so often of My Eucharistic Face? It is because “face” signifies “presence.” The devotion to My Eucharistic Face is the remedy to the loss of faith in My real presence that has swept through My Church at every level, extinguishing the fire of Eucharistic charity and causing even My elect, My priests, to grow cold and distant from Me. This is My word to you tonight and this is why I brought you to this place. Any loneliness you may feel is an invitation to seek Me out in the Sacrament of My divine friendship and to console My Eucharistic Heart." (IN SINU JESU, Sunday, October 19, 2008 Saint Paul of the Cross).
December is the Month the Church honors the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:
No comments:
Post a Comment
23-Psalm1to2