“Having a ‘courageous faith’ in the Lord – a faith that draws applause and ovation from the Lord Himself!”
(Based on 1 Cor 11:17-26, 33 and Lk 7:1-10 – Monday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2)
A woman who was battling cancer, with much courage…
… and always radiated much joy, despite her pains, was sharing her testimony.
With deep conviction, she said:
“I believe in a lawyer and his legal abilities…
… when I leave my case in that lawyer’s hands
And trust him to plead for me.
I believe in a banker and in the bank’s security system…
… when I put money into that banker’s hands
And I allow him to keep it safe, on my behalf.
I believe in a doctor and his prescriptions….
… when I put my case into that doctors’s hands
And trust him, to treat me!”
And she went to on say,
“And how much more I believe in my Saviour and His deep care for me…
… When I take Him to be my Saviour and put my helpless case into His hands
And trust Him to do what I cannot do for myself – save me from my sin and give me His healing love!”
Yes, we are called to have a “courageous faith” in the Lord…
… a faith that draws applause and ovation from the Lord Himself!
The Gospel of the Day is an account of Jesus expressing His applause for a person who showed “courageous faith!”
When faith and trust becomes so intense, even Jesus gives a special acknowledgement of appreciation!
We have today the incident of the healing of the Centurion’s servant.
Jesus lavishes His appreciations and admirations for a wonderful display of faith.
Here is the story an unusual faith found in an unusual man who displayed his faith in an unusual way.
- The Centurion was an unusual person…
A Centurion was a person who worked for the Roman Empire and were Gentiles.
This Centurion however, was unusual, because of the fact, that he was very much concerned of his slave.
This was rare indeed!
In the Roman Empire, slaves had no rights.
They could be mistreated and even put to death.
It was said that “when your animals are old, you throw them out to die. You do the same with your slaves.”
So this is the unusual thing about this unusual Centurion – he cared very much about his slave!
- The centurion showed an unusual faith…
The Centurion came to Jesus asking and pleading for help.
But when Jesus said that He would come to his house and heal him, the centurion was quick to answer him, “I am not worthy to have you under my roof” (Cf. Lk 7:6)
The spirit of a military man is clearly exhibited by the centurion…
A soldier’s way of thinking is extremely logical and to the point: When an order is given, instant obedience is expected.
“My commanding power goes beyond the realms of space…
… my presence or absence is no excuse for my soldiers to disobey”
The Centurion fully believed that Jesus was a mighty commander with all powers subjected to Him.
And so a word was enough for the healing to take place…
An expression of approval was good enough for the miracle to happen…
- The Centurion received an unusual response
This tremendous expression of faith was enough for Jesus to admire and appreciate Him.
Jesus was astonished by this wonderful demonstration of confidence and belief: “I say to you, in no one in Israel, have I found such faith” (Cf. Lk 7:9)
We have seen many instances of people praising and appreciating the works and wonders of Jesus.
But, this is one of those rare occasions, when Jesus publicly acknowledges and asserts the glorious faith of the one seeking for help.
The Lord gives a wonderful ovation and applause for this wonderful presentation of faith.
This Gospel is a wonderful challenge for each of us to examine our life of faith…
In situations when we are surrounded by sicknesses of negativity and discouragement,
Can we also boldly say, “Only say a word, Lord… and I will be healed!”
In situations when life-threatening moments of crushing-failures and despair encircle us,
Can we also boldly say, “Only say a word, Lord… and I will be healed!”
In situations when we get depressed by the various day to day problems of life,
Can we also boldly say, “Only say a word, Lord… and I will be healed!”
As a famous saying goes, “It is easy to praise the Lord…
… but it really is a challenge to receive praises from the Lord!”
When we stand firm in our faith in God, we receive ovations and appreciations from Him
When we have confidence in our love for God, we receive ovations and admiration from Him.
Shall we have a ‘courageous faith’ in the Lord…
… a faith that draws applause and ovation from the Lord Himself?
God Bless! Live Jesus!
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – MORAL LIFE AND THE MAGISTERIUM OF THE CHURCH
As far as possible conscience should take account of the good of all, as expressed in the moral law, natural and revealed…
… and consequently in the law of the Church and in the authoritative teaching of the Magisterium on moral questions. (CCC # 2039)
Reflection Capsules 