Santhiya Philomone csc –
Readings: Is 4:2-6; Mt 8: 5-11
In today’s Gospel we see Jesus healing the centurion’s paralyzed servant. By healing, Jesus reveals Gods compassion and shows that the reign of God has no boundaries. The faith of the centurion makes us to reflect upon our personal faith in the person of Jesus.
This miracle is unusual for two reasons. Jesus was not actually present when the healing took place: he spoke the word, and the centurion’s servant was healed. The servant did not even have to hear Jesus speak the word: it was enough that the word was spoken. Do we realise that when we speak God’s word, someone, somewhere, may find healing?
Nowhere in the Gospels do we hear Jesus express such joyful amazement. It is difficult to think of anyone whom he praised so wholeheartedly as he did this pagan centurion, a representative of the hated foreign power. This miracle reminds us of the all-embracing nature of Christ’s mission. The grace of Christ is not just limited to a few, but it is a fountain of river that flows from Christ to all. The faith of the centurion brought great joy to Jesus: Does our faith bring joy to Jesus?