Reflection for Monday 24th Week in Ordinary Time

By


Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Rector and Parish Priest
Don Bosco Shrine
Lingarajapuram, Bangalore

Memoria of St. John Chrysostom

Today's WORD of GOD

Luke 7:6-7

So Jesus went with them.

He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Today's Reflection

Paul Proclaims the Gospel’s Outreach to the World, the Roman Centurion Shows how Well Prepared Outsiders can be, to Accept Gospel Values.

JESUS Gave HIMSELF as Ransom for All; & Paul has a Mission to All Nations. Much Less than 50% of the World’s Population is Christian.

The Difference between Faith & Unbelief is between the Strength of Relying on JESUS & the Uncertainty of Living Without HIS Inspiration.

Paul Prays that All may be Saved & “Come to Know the Truth.” The Truth of JESUS Sets Us Free & Inspires Us, Brings Us Peace & Deepens Our Respect for Life. As Paul Says, since GOD is One, All GOD'S Children form One Human Family, with a Mighty Mediator between GOD & Ourselves, the Man CHRIST JESUS.

In the Gospel the Outsider, a Gentile Centurion, Shows a More Active Faith than the Jews. In Our Own Context, the Spark of Faith in a Buddhist or a Muslim, or even a Person of No Religion, can Take a Christian by Surprise. The Roman Centurion Shows Great Concern, Simplicity & Graciousness towards the Distress of His Servant. He Asks JESUS for Help, Risking Refusal as a Member of the Hated Roman Army. He also Shows a Courteous Spirit, “Sir, Do Not Trouble Yourself, for I am Not Worthy to have U Enter My House.” Open & Honest, He Does Not Beat around the Bush & is Not Afraid to Publicly Admit His Trust in the Healing Power of JESUS. This Man Courteously Sent a Delegation of Jewish Elders to Intercede for Him & His Slave. He Seems a Consummate Diplomat & His Faith is Highly Praised.

Though We be Unworthy

The Roman Centurion’s Words are Echoed in Our Eucharistic when We Say, “LORD, I am Not Worthy that U should Enter Under My Roof.” The Centurion Spoke as a Pagan who Did Not Want JESUS the Jew 2b in Breach of the Jewish Law by Entering the House of a Pagan. He also Showed Great Faith in the Life-Giving Power of JESUS' Word. JESUS Acknowledges His Remarkable Faith & Declares It 2b Greater than Any Faith HE had Found in Israel.

The Least Likely Person can Come to Faith in JESUS. We should Not Quickly Judge who is a Person of Faith & who is Not. This Centurion’s Faith can Inspire Us at Every Eucharist.


Good Morning

GOD Bless Us All Today. Have a nice safe day and a great week ahead.