Monday of the First Week of Advent - Only Say the Word

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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.” Matthew 8:10–11

Jesus looks into the heart, not just at one’s exterior. Today’s Gospel presents us with the profound faith of a Roman centurion—a pagan and Gentile. Though not of the Jewish faith, this centurion recognized Jesus’ spiritual authority to heal. Perhaps he had seen Jesus do so before or had heard of the many stories of miracles. Or maybe he was moved by the Holy Spirit to trust in Jesus. The Roman soldier begged Jesus to heal one of his severely ill servants. But that’s not all he did. Once Jesus offered to go to the servant, the Roman centurion manifested humility and faith by saying, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” Catholics now pray similar words just before Holy Communion.

When Jesus heard this statement of faith, He was “amazed,” because among the descendants of Abraham, He had found no such faith. The centurion’s faith broke through cultural and religious barriers. As a Gentile and a Roman soldier, he was an unlikely candidate for such profound faith. Yet, his humility and trust in Jesus surpassed that of many of the chosen people.

Let’s consider two points from this story. First, when you pray the centurion’s words at Mass, just before Holy Communion, does your depth of faith and conviction also lead Jesus to be “amazed”? Do you know and profess your unworthiness, yet beg our Lord to enter your soul nonetheless? The centurion’s humility is a powerful lesson for us. Despite his authority and status, he recognized his unworthiness before Jesus. This humility is vital to approaching the Eucharist, acknowledging our need for God’s grace and mercy before receiving Him into our souls. Consider whether you mean those words every time you pray them or if they have become a habit that you say distractedly.

Second, Jesus’ promise to heal this Gentile’s servant illustrates the universality of Jesus’ gift of salvation. Our Catholic faith is not only for those born and raised Catholic; it’s for everyone, and we must do our part to extend that invitation to everyone through prayer and witness. We must turn to our Lord and beg for grace and healing upon others. God has the power to do all things. Like the centurion, we must pray for others, trusting that God hears our petitions and will act in His perfect timing. We must believe that, and then present the needs of those around us to Him, begging Him to draw them to Himself. We must pray, “Lord, only say the word! Say Your word of healing, cleansing, conversion, transformation, and every word that brings forth Your will!”

Reflect today on this Roman centurion’s faith and prayerful words and try to internalize them more fully. Meditate on those words outside of the Holy Mass so that next time you attend Mass, that prayer just before Holy Communion will more fully prepare your soul for the gift of Christ Jesus Himself.

My amazed Lord, the Roman centurion’s faith touched Your human soul. Please give me the grace I need to have this same depth of faith and to express that faith more fully every time I prepare to receive You in Holy Communion. Jesus, I trust in You.

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