The Reward of Faith is to See What You Believe.

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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