Theme: DIALOGUE
Text: “And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.” – Matthew 8:5-8.
Comment: The exemplary faith shown by the centurion as stated in today’s citation, stemmed from his conviction that Jesus Christ was the son of God. After he made his request as contained in the text for today, the Lord offered to accompany him to his house to heal him. But the centurion declined, saying that he was a sinner who was unworthy to receive Jesus Christ. He believed that by merely making a pronouncement from a distance, the servant would be cured. This unassuming officer, in control of over a hundred foot soldiers, knew that from a distance, whatever the Master said would have profound effect in the life of his ward. Christ said, “… blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed”. And St. Paul defined faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. (Hebrews 11:1) He also said, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) The lesson we learn from this story includes that humility, empathy or compassion are essential for dialogue. The faith or trust which the centurion demonstrated is also important. We should pray to be among those, who because of their faith, would be in the kingdom of God with the ancient worthies by the grace of God. – Matthew 8:11-13.