I have found myself in times past repeating the statement of the centurion as I prepare to receive the Holy Eucharist, “I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and I shall be healed” as I fervently approach for the reception of Our Lord’s body and blood. Today, we are asked to reflect on the scripture passage that brought about this rich statement on faith into our liturgy, at that the highest form of worship for us, the Holy Mass!
It is indeed a deep statement of faith from a non-Jew but a believer in the power of Jesus.
In the Gospel reading, we see the power of “intercession.” The Roman centurion approaches Jesus, interceding for his servant. The Jewish elders intercede with Jesus for the centurion in consideration of his kindness to the Jewish people, even having built a synagogue for them. In recognition of the great faith of the centurion, Jesus grants the requested cure: “‘I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.’ The people sent by the captain went back to his house; there they found that the servant was well.”
We pray and intercede for the needs of others. Mary, our Mother, is our great and powerful intercessor with her Son: “Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.”