The Faith of the Centurion
September 16, 2024 | Monday
Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17Luke 7:1-10
Biblical: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof, but say the word and let my servant be healed.” We are familiar with this statement, for this is the same words we say before we receive the Body of Christ in every mass that we attend. This is a profession of faith used by the Centurion in our gospel today.
A centurion is a Roman Captain who is handling hundreds of soldiers. Being under a command of such a leader we could say that a Centurion is powerful when it comes to authority. Napapasunod at nauutusan niya ang lahat ng sundalo. However, though he has the power and authority he knows that he has limitations. He could not heal the sickness of his soldier.
This is the reason why he asked the elders of the Jews to go to Jesus and save the life of his soldier. (Hindi lang dahil siya ay makapangyarihan at nakakapag-utos, kundi dahil alam niya na may tradition na ipinagbabawal ang isang Hudyo na tulad ni Hesus ang pumasok sa bahay ng isang Hentil). He has a high respect for such tradition that he could not allow Jesus to enter his house. But at the same time, the Centurion also believed that Jesus could heal even from a distance through his powerful words.
Reflection: Looking at the gesture of the centurion, we could say that he truly understands authority. He himself was subject to authority and exercised authority over others. But he recognizes Jesus powerful authority that no other authority in their land has.
This made him profess, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof, but say the word and let my servant be healed.”
It is a beautiful act of faith when someone recognizes the authority and power of Jesus through words and actions. Madami kasi sa atin akala mo kaya na ang lahat kaya hindi na nagsisimba. Marami pa din sa atin ang umaasa sa sariling galing kaya nakalimutan na ang Diyos. May ilan pa rin sa atin na kayang mabuhay kahit walang Diyos.
Ito ang dahilan kung bakit namangha si Hesus sa angking pananampalataya ng isang Kapitang Romano. Sa kabila ng kaniyang kagitingan, kagalingan at kapangyarihan alam niya na ang lahat ay may hangganan.
Gaya ng ating talino, lakas, kapangyarihan, at galing dadating ang araw na hindi na natin ito kayang asahan. Walang ibang malalapitan kundi ang tunay na marunong, malakas, magaling at makapangyarihan kundi ang Diyos lang.
My dear brothers and sisters, Faith is belief, even when we do not have the power to believe.
Негізгі бет Homily: Fr. Danichi Hui Sept 16, 2024 Faith is belief, even when we do not have the power to believe
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