Action before Prayer

Today’s Gospel Text:  After he had ended all his sayings in the hearing of the people he entered Caper'na-um. 2 Now a centurion had a slave who was dear to him, who was sick and at the point of death. 3 When he heard of Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his slave. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he built us our synagogue." 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; 7 therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it." 9 When Jesus heard this he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude that followed him, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith." 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave well.  Luke 7:1-10

 

Reflection: The gospel story is an interesting story throwing up many questions and leading us into a deeper insight into the life of faith, healing and good works.

Why did Jesus listen to the centurions prayers and heal his slave? An answer to this question can lead us into our insight into the life of God and his priorities as revealed here in the scripture passage.

Character wise, the centurion was a good man and followed certain principles of life and hence in keeping with his principles was, first of all, kind to his slave and also shown much benevolence to the Jews and their religion.

When the need arose, he sent to Jesus the right people; the elders of the Jews. In other words the elders and those in authority have a special place in God's sight by virtue of their position and authority.

These come to Jesus with a request on behalf of the Centurion to heal his slave. They tell Jesus, in no uncertain terms, that he deserves to be heard.

Why? Because “he loves our nation, and he built us our synagogue.”! (vs.5)

What would have been better, they telling him that he cares much for his own slave and therefore he deserves it or that he cares about their religion and nation?

Faith and the work arising out of faith is of greater importance than any other good work. There is a priority of Faith, which gains precedence over all our other personal priorities.

God has made his personal preference for those who opt to make his priorities their priorities and thus make themselves poor. Jesus is God’s priority for humanity; for only in him can they be rich with the life of God.

Hence do not lag behind in the service of the Lord, and you will find favour with the Lord.

Prayer:  Lord, “teach me the way I should go, for to thee I lift up my soul.” Ps 143:8

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us