Advent Wk 1st: Monday 2nd December, 2019 December 2, 2019
Reflection on the WORD
“Roman Centurion”: In today’s Gospel, the Roman Centurion’s deep faith in Jesus’ divine power and his great compassion for his servant, moved Jesus to cure his servant. Is our faith in Jesus and our compassion for others deep, sincere and humble like the centurion? If so, God will answer our pleas.
Matthew 8:5-10
When Jesus went into Capernaum a centurion came up and pleaded with him. ‘Sir,’ he said, ‘my servant is lying at home paralysed and in great pain.’ Jesus said to him, ‘I will come myself and cure him.’
The centurion replied, ‘Sir, I am not worthy to have you under my roof; just give the word and my servant will be cured. For I am under authority myself and have soldiers under me; and I say to one man, “Go,” and he goes; to another, “Come here,” and he comes; to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’
When Jesus heard this he was astonished and said to those following him, ‘In truth I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found faith as great as this.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- The faith of the Roman Centurion was truly remarkable as he was not a Jew. In fact he is supposed to be an enemy and non-believer of Jesus.
- We know he was a very good and just man. He treated his servants with great respect. Such qualities make a person more receptive to God’s truth and love.
- What qualities and virtues do we have that make us more receptive and committed to our faith in Jesus? Name a few of these and ponder on how they affect the practice of your faith.