Prayer: O Jesus, fill me with faith in your power.
Imagination: (Picture Jesus with the Centurion.)
Context:
Advent is a time of faith and the church selects the Gentile centurion as the first model. He believed that Jesus could heal at a distance (unheard of in Judaism). Even Jesus proclaims his extraordinary faith.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him saying, “Lord, my servant is at home in bed paralyzed suffering painfully.” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him. The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but say but the word and my servant shall be healed. I also am a man subject to authority, having soldiers under me. I say to this one, “Go” and he goes. To another, “Come” and he comes. To my servant “Do this” and he does it.”
Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to the crowd who followed him. “Amen I say to you that I have not found such great faith in Israel. Many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of heaven, while the natural heirs will be cast out into the dark.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- The centurion has complete and total faith in Jesus’ power to heal.
- Jesus is totally aware of his own powers. He proclaims “I will come and heal him.”
- The centurion is extraordinary for his great humility (I am not worthy) and for his faith (that Jesus could heal at a distance).
- Jesus proclaims that he has never seen Jewish people with that level of belief.
- Jesus predicts that many Gentiles will enter the Kingdom by having the same faith.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, I will come to you in all my needs.
- O Jesus, your power can accomplish all things, anywhere and anytime.
- Nothing limits your power.
- Jesus, I am not worthy but you will act in my soul.
- Your Kingdom is open to all. The whole world is invited.
- Just speak your word, Jesus and I will be healed.
- O Jesus, place great faith in my heart.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
- Today I will bring to Jesus all that needs to be healed – my body, my soul, my relationships, my memories.
- I will have great desires to be at Jesus’ banquet.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation)
I have not found such great faith in all of Israel.