26th June 2021 - 12th Week of Ordinary Time
FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY
Genesis 18:1-15
Luke 46-47, 48-49, 50-53, 54-55
Matthew 6:24-34
Dear Christians, we always begin our rosary by asking our mother Mary to intercede for us that we may grow in the virtues of faith, hope and charity. Today, the Gospel speaks of the centurion's hope and love, of his faith, confidence, and humility. He had a deep concern towards his servant. He is so worried about him, that he humbles himself before Jesus to ask for his help: “Sir, my servant lies sick at home. He is paralyzed and suffers terribly” (Mt 8:6). This concern for others and, even more, for a servant, prompts Jesus' response: “I will come and heal him” (Mt 8:7), which is in turn followed by a series of acts of faith and confidence. The centurion does not consider himself worthy and, along with that feeling, he expresses his own faith in such a way before Jesus and before all those gathered there, that Jesus has to say: “I tell you, I have not found such faith in Israel” (Mt 8:10). We may wonder what impels Jesus to make this miracle.
We so very often ask God to no avail, though we know He is always listening! So, what happens, then? We may think we ask properly, but are we sure we do it like the centurion did? His prayer is not selfish, but full of love, humility and charitable confidence. When guided by love, one will have no jealousy or envy. One can still praise God when others are preferred and blessed before him. He can bear to hear others praised while he is forgotten because, Love is not resignation before impossibility, nor does it get intimidated before difficulties”. Is my prayer like that?
“I am not worthy to have you under my roof...” (Mt 8:8). It is the centurion's answer. Do you feel this way? Is your faith leading you to this act of humility and faith? If your faith is such, then you are bound to hear too: “Go home now. As you believed, so let it be (...)” And at that moment his servant was healed (Mt 8:13). We all need to grow to the level of faith of centurion by knowing and personally experiencing Jesus in our lives. We can do so my meditative daily reading of the bible.
Our daily personal and family prayers, our frequenting of sacraments, especially the Eucharistic celebration, and by surrendering our lives to Jesus in rendering loving service to others in all humility.
Let us ask for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Master of faith, hope and devoted love, to show us how to pray so that we may obtain from the Lord that which is best for us.
Amen.
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