The Centurion’s Faith
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-8; PSALM 28; LUKE 7:1-10
St. Paul says, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way.” Beloved, our leaders, whether spiritual or temporal, need our prayers. We should not only criticize them; we should also encourage them and, most importantly, pray for them. They need our prayers because ‘uneasy lies the head that wears the crown’. We boast of many things, but when we are enthroned, we begin to plead for patience and mercy.
Again, leaders must brace up to their duties; they must not neglect the well-being of those under their care. In the gospel, a centurion—a high-ranking official—took it upon himself to approach Jesus for the well-being of his slave. He expressed a savior-like quality. Once a slave could no longer work, the more prevalent mentality would have been to discard him. He also expressed humility; the gospel says he asks this traveling rabbi for a favor despite being an officer in the imperial army.
Lastly, Jesus was incredibly moved by the man’s sincere compassion for his slave. Despite the fact that he was not an Israelite, he put his confidence and trust in Jesus, whom he referred to as “Lord”. He said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed.” We don’t need to see Jesus with our physical eyes to know that he is present and active in our lives.
LET US PRAY
Lord, grant us an ever-deeper understanding of you. Help us to overcome fears and anxieties. In our daily lives, bless us with strength, faith, and wisdom that we might be triumphant. Amen!
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
