A few times in the Gospel Jesus praises people for their faith. Today is the only time in Matthew’s Gospel where Jesus was “amazed”. Not only was it a gentile coming to him asking for healing, but the gentile even trusted that Jesus could heal his servant from a distance.
At the beginning of Advent we are given this example of
Amazing Faith, faith that God in the Flesh described as Amazing.
This Centurion recognized Jesus as one who had the power to
save. He believed that Jesus really had
the power to work, to transform, to heal.
What do you need to be healed from this Advent? What part of your life needs to be
transformed? What area of your life and
the life of your family do you long to see God at work?
After all, the centurion wasn’t so much seeking healing for
himself, but for his servant. His
Amazing Faith showed great concern for others.
Perhaps, we might pick a person to pray for throughout all of Advent, to
lift them up to Jesus, to heal, to strengthen, to bless.
Also, notice how the Centurion approached Jesus: with great
humility. The Roman Centurion was a man
of considerable power and influence. Yet,
he acknowledged his unworthiness before the Lord of all. We recite his words as we prepare to receive
Holy Communion at every Mass. “Lord, I
am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the world and
my soul will be healed.”
To Him we surrender control of our lives, we acknowledge
that all too often we have not let Him be in charge. During Advent we become aware of our
sinfulness, times that we have acted in ways unworthy of the name
Christian. Repentant of our sins, we ask
Jesus to come deeper into our lives, to bring healing, to charity where
selfishness once reigned, to bring mercy where sin once reigned.
May we, with greater faith and humility call upon Christ our
Savior who longs to heal us. May we open
our hearts to Him, that he may transform us to bring his light and mercy to
others, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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