First Reading - 1 Timothy 2:1-8
Gospel - Luke 7:1-10
The gospel of the day displays satirical example of a centurion as a paragon of faith that should be emulated by all. How does the faith of the centurion becomes satirical for Jews and Romans? It is because Jews were instructed into their Scriptures, hence they were supposed to recognize Jesus as their Messiah and saviour and put their faith in him but they failed; on the other side, Romans looked down upon Jews and laughted at their expectations of the Messiah. Both the groups are lampooned and mimicked by the astonishing faith of the centurion. The faith of the centurion indeed deserves adulation and praise because as a gentile, he was probably not familiar with the Jewish Scripture, yet he had tremendous faith in Jesus. He acknowledges him as the "Lord" (The title "Lord" was used for God thus the centurion recognised Jesus as God). As a centurion, he was hated by Jews but by his faith he becomes an example for Jews and Romans equally.
Why is the faith of centurion appreciated? It's because of two reasons: firstly, he was fully convinced that his request for the healing of his servant can be done by Jesus, thus he sends some Jewish elders to Jesus; secondly, he trusted in the power of Jesus that by his word itself he can heal his servant. This strikes out as an example of fervent faith which surprised Jesus. Consequently, Jesus grants the centurion's request.
The first reading elaborates our theme of fervent faith. Paul in the first reading tells Christians through Timothy that they should pray for all, including rulers and kings (perhaps even gentile rulers and kings). He also encourages the Christians to persevere in their faith in Jesus who saves us all irrespective of caste or region. This passages underlines two aspects: prayer and salvation in and through Jesus. They are required for our faith.
Dear friends, our faith demands our conviction in Jesus. The example of firm conviction we find in the gospel of today, the centurion. Moreover, the conviction in Jesus is certainly sustained through our prayer believing that Jesus is our saviour and in him we are saved.
At times, our prayer becomes mere routine and hence it fails to meet its purpose. Our prayer, as the readings propose, should be the fruit of our conviction. It's in this conviction, we can become fervent in faith. This type of faith will certainly be pleasing to God. Let's overcome the superficiality of prayer and grow to the determined conviction.
May God help us become fervent in faith.
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