Readings:
Isaiah 2: 1-5
Matthew 8: 5-11
Reflection
The story of the centurion in today’s gospel manifests his faith in the power of Jesus’ word. “Just say a word, my servant will be saved”.
Words have energy and power. Words have the ability to help, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate, and to humble. Words can be instruments to construct but also weapons to deconstruct.
Here the centurion has a deep faith in the healing words of Jesus. He even has an extraordinary insight in the power of words as he describes the power of his own words over his soldiers.
The uniqueness of this centurion is that he knows that Jesus is a man under greater authority. He expresses that the authority of Jesus is more sublime and expansive. Thus, with deep and humbling faith he comes to the Lord pleading for the word of healing.
As we begin the season of Advent, we get to hear the words of peace, joy and celebrations. In the liturgy we hear the words loaded with promises of a saviour. Towards the end of the season, we commemorate the birth of Jesus, which is the reality of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us. And so may this season draw us to experience the transforming power of the Lord in his words.
LORD! JUST SAY A WORD, I SHALL BE HEALED.
Justin Durai Raj CP is a member of the Passionist community at St.Paul, Glen Osmond, SA.