Catholics are quite familiar with this Gospel. The centurion approaches Jesus, telling him of his servant who is paralyzed and suffering dreadfully. Some of you are there now, and some of you have been there like the centurion’s servant.

First, it is important to note that the Roman centurion calls Jesus “Lord” every time he addresses him—a Roman centurion calling a Jew Lord, unheard of. The centurion goes on to explain to Jesus about authority as if the “Author” of life and authority didn’t know. That part of the Gospel was included for our benefit, not for Jesus’ benefit.

The Gospel goes on to state that Jesus was amazed. Jesus was amazed because he found a pagan, a gentile, understanding and believing that Jesus is Lord; Jesus is God, and that a centurion, who had 100 men under him and power and authority, recognized Jesus as having total authority and power over all things, including him.

The centurion “believes” Jesus can heal his servant. Jesus goes on to say, after all his preaching and miracles before the Jews, that he finds no one in Israel of such faith. Jesus says to the centurion, “Go as you have believed.” In the Gospel of John, the word believe is used 69 times. That is our faith, like the centurion’s: believe that Jesus can heal us physically, mentally, and spiritually, according to his will.

Only say the word and my soul shall be healed. I had anger issues and relational issues as a young man. Thanks be to Jesus, not anymore. I asked Jesus to heal me of both. I surrendered to his authority, as did the centurion.

Father Eymard stated, “I wish only one thing for you: greater love for God, a flame which grows higher and more intense.” (Taken from A Year With Fr. Eymard by Fr. Erasto Fernandez, SSS).

Let Us Pray:

Dear heavenly Father, help us to recognize Jesus as Lord and surrender to him all that we are and have. In Jesus’ name. Amen.