REFLECTIONS TODAY

A centurion was a Roman officer commanding around 100 soldiers (Latin centum is one hundred). The centurion in the Gospel is probably an adviser of the Jewish ruler of Galilee, Herod Antipas. As an official representing Rome, he would “broker” imperial resources for the local population. In Luke’s version of the narrative, the people themselves plead to Jesus to help this pagan officer: “He deserves to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation and he built the synagogue for us” (7:4-5). 

Even though a Roman officer, the centurion does not see Jesus as inferior to him. He calls Jesus “Lord,” and he is careful that Jesus does not enter in his house lest Jesus be contaminated by his “impurity” as a pagan. But he knows the power of the word of command, as he himself exercises this over his soldiers. He sees Jesus as possessing power from God, and Jesus’ word is enough for the healing of his servant. Given such trust in him, Jesus grants his request. 

The words of the centurion have been immortalized as our response at Mass at the priest’s invitation for Holy Communion: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof…” Sometimes strangers or people of little importance surprise us with their great trust in God and their concern for us. What lessons have you learned from simple and ordinary folks?

Gospel • Mt 8:5-11 
When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.