Daily Retreat 09/18/06
2006 Sep 18 Mon: Ordinary Weekday
1 Cor 11: 17-26. 33/ Ps 39(40): 7-8a. 8b-9. 10. 17/ Lk 7: 1-10
From today’s readings: “For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night He was handed over, took bread and, after He had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is My Body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.... Proclaim the death of the Lord until He comes again.... “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith”
Faith in a Word
There’s a natural tendency for all people of faith to look for signs confirming their faith as well-placed. And even though Jesus was at times exasperated by those who demanded a constant stream of signs as the prerequisite for their faith, He nevertheless gladly performed many miracles in confirmation of faith-filled prayers during His time on earth, and He continues to do so!
But there is another level of faith which would still certainly welcome such signs of confirmation, yet is just as content to let God do things His way, as He knows best. The Gentile centurion was a sympathizer and benefactor of the Jews who sought the Lord’s intervention on behalf of his servant. But, in evidence of his remarkable faith, the centurion didn’t even feel himself worthy to receive Jesus in his house, but simply was content for Jesus to “say the word,” and bring healing in whatever way He wanted.
The mighty centurion thus humbly recognized the authority of Jesus, and his confession of faith is indelibly echoed in the final public prayer before we receive Jesus in Communion, “Lord, I am not worthy....” Ideally, this same sentiment should be part of all of our prayers!
1 Cor 11: 17-26. 33/ Ps 39(40): 7-8a. 8b-9. 10. 17/ Lk 7: 1-10
From today’s readings: “For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night He was handed over, took bread and, after He had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is My Body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.... Proclaim the death of the Lord until He comes again.... “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith”
Faith in a Word
There’s a natural tendency for all people of faith to look for signs confirming their faith as well-placed. And even though Jesus was at times exasperated by those who demanded a constant stream of signs as the prerequisite for their faith, He nevertheless gladly performed many miracles in confirmation of faith-filled prayers during His time on earth, and He continues to do so!
But there is another level of faith which would still certainly welcome such signs of confirmation, yet is just as content to let God do things His way, as He knows best. The Gentile centurion was a sympathizer and benefactor of the Jews who sought the Lord’s intervention on behalf of his servant. But, in evidence of his remarkable faith, the centurion didn’t even feel himself worthy to receive Jesus in his house, but simply was content for Jesus to “say the word,” and bring healing in whatever way He wanted.
The mighty centurion thus humbly recognized the authority of Jesus, and his confession of faith is indelibly echoed in the final public prayer before we receive Jesus in Communion, “Lord, I am not worthy....” Ideally, this same sentiment should be part of all of our prayers!
posted by FrPitstick | 9/17/2006
<< Home