Daily Gospel Reflection for December 3, 2018

Today's Gospel: Matthew 8:5-11 I used to think that the centurion in this story was bragging about how powerful he was. And I wondered how Jesus could marvel at the man's faith, because He didn't usually go around praising people who focused on their own power. Missed the point much? Clearly I didn't pay attention when the centurion began, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof." Jesus has famously mentioned, in other places in the Gospels, how hard it is for the powerful to be humble. But the centurion nails it. Even though he has considerable power over people on earth, the man realizes that this is nothing compared to Jesus' power. The centurion begs for the healing of a servant -- also a humble person -- and he doesn't ask for Jesus to make a big show of it. In this way, he reminds me of the woman with the hemorrhage who knew that if she could only touch the edge of Jesus' garment, she would be healed. There is humility in asking for healing. There is equal humility in knowing that Jesus would not have to go out of His way to do it. Jesus made it clear, even before the centurion impressed Him with his faith, that He would come and heal the servant. The centurion made it clear that he knew Jesus could and would heal the servant, only by saying the word.