Opening Prayer

Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.

Scripture

Luke 7:1-10

After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly and who was ill and close to death. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.” And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. For I also 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 slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.” When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and, turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

Reflection

The story of the centurion’s servant highlights a remarkable faith that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. Despite being a Gentile and a Roman officer, the centurion demonstrates profound humility and belief in Jesus’ authority to heal. Jesus’ amazement at the centurion’s faith serves as a powerful reminder that God’s grace and power are not limited by human divisions. We are encouraged to cultivate a faith that is inclusive and open, recognising that God’s love and healing can reach anyone, regardless of their background or status.

The centurion’s approach to Jesus through the Jewish elders and his acknowledgement of his own unworthiness reveal a deep humility and respect for Jewish customs. His request for Jesus to heal his servant from a distance underscores his understanding of Jesus’ divine authority. This narrative teaches us the value of humility and the power of intercessory prayer. By acknowledging our limitations and seeking God’s intervention with a humble heart, we can witness profound transformations in our lives and the lives of others. It reminds us that true faith involves recognising our dependence on God and trusting in His ability to work miracles.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

Faith gives substance to our hopes, and makes us certain of realities we do not see.

– Hebrews 11:1

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.