Homily for June 30, 2018.
“Truly I
tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith”…. And to the centurion,
Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you according to your faith.” And the
servant was healed in that hour. Matthew 8:10-13.
As this week draws to a close, we recall the many lessons we
have learnt in the course of our readings during the week.
The life of St. John the Baptist teaches us humility, silence to
allow God’s plans prevail and the constant need to prepare our environment for
God to dwell in. We should not be too quick to judge others without first
judging ourselves.
Do to others exactly what you wish done to you. Aim at holiness
and not for popularity. Be careful of falling into the hands of false prophets because
not all those who use the name of God belong to God. Practising God’s word
makes it fruitful in our lives.
Saints Peter and Paul teach us that the Christian life is
difficult, a fight, a race and a challenge to hear from the Holy Spirit rather
than depending on flesh and blood.
Today, Jesus sums everything up with his statement to the
Centurion who pleaded for his servant’s healing. “Let it be done for you
according to your faith.” These words of Jesus might have been addressed
directly to the Centurion but in reality, they apply to us.
We can never cheat God. We only get that which we believe is
possible. So long as we don’t expect it to happen, sweating, panting and
praying for long hours is futile. Even before we engage God in prayer, we must
first expect to receive what we are asking for.
The centurion was so sure of the power of Jesus’ words. He
believed wholeheartedly that Jesus had the power to heal his son even from a
distance. He felt so unworthy to have Jesus come under his roof despite the
fact that he was a highly respected man in the area (a whole centurion at
that.)
Am I a proud person? Do I show the utmost respect for the things
of God treating them as sacred items? Do I really examine my conscience
properly before stepping forward to receive Jesus under my roof in Holy Communion?
It is not easy to believe something you have not seen, yet the
truth is that the only way to see it is to believe it. How strong is my faith?
That the centurion came to Jesus because of his servant (not
even his own child) is another point worthy of praise. How much care to I show
to my employees, my domestic staff, my servants? Have I ever prayed for them? Do
I bring them to Jesus for transformation and healing?
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, you
healed the sick, heal my faith and devotion to you. Amen.
*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 12th Week
in ordinary time. Bible Study: Lamentations 2:2-19,
Psalm 74:1-7, 20-21, Matthew 8:5-17).
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