Monday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Lk 7: 1-10
September 18, 2023 | Monday
When Jesus had finished teaching the people, he went to Capernaum.
A Roman military officer lived there, whose servant was very sick and near to death, a man very dear to him. So when he heard about Jesus, he sent some elders of the Jews to persuade him to come and save his servant’s life. The elders came to Jesus and begged him earnestly, saying, “He deserves this of you, for he loves our people and even built a synagogue for us.”
Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house, when the Roman officer sent friends to give this message, “Sir, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to welcome you under my roof. You see, I didn’t approach you myself. Just give the order, and my servant will be healed. For I myself, a junior officer, give orders to my soldiers, and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to the other, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”
On hearing these words, Jesus was filled with admiration. He turned and said to the people with him, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” The people, sent by the captain, went back to his house; there they found that the servant was well.
Today’s Reflection:
The Roman military officer’s faith in Christ is admirable. His remarks give testimony to this. Indeed, our Blessed Lord commended well such faith seen in the man in uniform. Yes, it is an irony that while many of the Jewish people follow Christ to put Him to test, although they are aware of God’s revelation about His Anointed servant to be sent to set the house of Israel free, a Roman official exhibited this great faith in God’s power to save. This very fact makes us reflect on our own respect and faith in God. At times, Christians are the ones who are unchristian to each other and those of other faith are more Christians and Catholics than us. This is a shame for we bear the name of Christ in faith. And yet, others are even more Christ-like than us. Let us ponder on today’s reflection as we continue to our journey to becoming followers of God. /Vulnerasti, 2023.
