It is interesting to me that of all the verses in scripture, the Roman Catholic Church could select to pray the words of Matthew 8:8 right before Holy Communion. The centurion knows he is not worthy to have his servant healed by Jesus. The centurion had heard and seen Jesus perform miracles and obviously had faith in Jesus to heal his servant.

I have had friends in our men’s Bible study at Saint Paschal Baylon tell of healings of cancer, liver ailments, heart disease, marital issues resolved, wayward children coming home, other broken relationships healed, and more over the past 23 years. Jesus, who healed the centurion’s servant, is the Christ healing our lives today.

We need to live by faith and not by sight. When we say those words before Holy Communion, we are also asking Jesus to heal our hard-heartedness towards someone who has hurt us, we are asking Jesus to heal our pride, whatever our sin is; Jesus can heal us. Christ yesterday, today, and forever.

When you say these words today or tomorrow, really believe them for whatever is ailing you

physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

Father Eymard stated, “My heart has always belonged to Jesus.” (Taken from A Year with Father Eymard by Fr. Erasto Fernandez SSS).

Prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, we surrender ourselves to you in all we think, say, and do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.