Only Say Your Word

Monday, 16 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 11:17-26,33, Psalm 40:7-10,17, Luke 7:1-10

“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 say the word, and let my servant be healed.” (Luke 7:6-7)

Today, we reflect on the Centurion whose slave was cured from a distance. The Centurion would not let Jesus come to him because he considered his house unworthy to receive the commander–in–chief of the entire universe. “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof… but say the word and let my servant be healed.”

- The words of this Centurion are the very same words we utter before Holy Communion at every mass. When the priest says: “Behold, the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world, blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” Our response is: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you under my roof, but only say your word, and my soul shall be healed.”

- When I repeat the words of this Centurion at mass, do I approach Jesus with the same faith and disposition as the Centurion? Do I even consider myself worthy enough to receive Holy Communion, or do I come forward for communion to impress others?

- In our first reading today, St. Paul expresses his unhappiness with the Corinthian Church for its failure to grasp the meaning and essence of the Holy Eucharist. The Corinthian Church did not understand Holy Communion; they took it as a meal in which there was even survival of the fittest. Some were getting drunk in the church, while others did not even get a single piece.

- St. Paul’s teaching on the Eucharist remains a concrete catechesis even today. Celebrating the Eucharist is not a meal we use to entertain ourselves; it is the REAL BODY AND BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. What appears to the eyes as just bread and wine is the Flesh and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Now, there is a point where both our first reading and our Gospel passage today meet. For the people of Nazareth (Jesus’ hometown), Jesus was nothing more than the carpenter’s son. Meanwhile, some saw Jesus as the prince of Beelzebub. But this Centurion had the eyes to see that Jesus was God among men.

- The centurion’s faith won him Jesus’ commendation and ensured his servant’s instant cure. For some today, Holy Communion is just ordinary bread and wine; even amongst Catholics, there are some who, out of overfamiliarity, do not believe in the real presence of Jesus in Holy Communion; they despise Jesus just as his countrymen did.

- If only we could have the Centurion’s kind of faith, there would be no limit to the number of miracles we would experience. Let the words we recite at every mass remind us of how the Centurion’s slave was cured and assure us of our healing.

Pope Cornelius was made bishop of the church in Rome in 251. He fought against the Novatian schismatics and established his authority with Cyprian's aid. The emperor Gallus sent him into exile and died at Civitavecchia in June 253. He is buried in Rome.

- St Cyprian (210 - 258). He was born in Carthage and spent most of his life practising the law. He was converted to Christianity and was made bishop of Carthage in 249. He steered the church through troubled times, including the persecution of the emperor Decius, when he went into hiding to be able to continue looking after the church. In 258, the persecution of the emperor Valerian began. Cyprian was first exiled and then, on the 14th of September, executed after a trial notable for the calm and courtesy shown by both sides.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, increase our faith in your real presence in Holy Communion. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 11:17-26,33, Psalm 40:7-10,17, Luke 7:1-10).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu