Live 4 The LORD

​READ

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 begged 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 7:2–10, RSV2CE)

REFLECTION

A centurion (not a Jew) had a slave (not even a family member) who was sick. 

Very compassionate man for his own slave and the Jews because he helped build their synagogues. 

Sent the elders of the Jews (Jesus’ own people to intercede), sent his friends, (did not feel worthy and does not presume to come to Jesus himself). (Why Catholics ask for intercession from Mary and other Holy Saints  already in His presence-not worthy and not presumptuous)

He heard of Jesus. Believed in Him. Knew He had absolute authority. Knows about authority himself so understands that Jesus has it and needs to only say the word. 

Jesus marvels that someone (not even a Jew) finally understands and believes! Because of the centurions belief Jesus does what he requests. 

RESOLUTION

Jesus I believe you are God. I believe you have absolute authority. My prayers are feeble because I don’t know if it’s your will. It’s not that I don’t believe you can do it (you can do all things) it’s that I don’t know the plan and don’t want to presume that my want is your way (your ways are higher than mine). [am I using that as a crutch because I don’t believe?] I pray for the grace to pray with more conviction because even my prayer is a gift from you, you are the one guiding my prayer to begin with. Help my unbelief.

REST

Thank you Holy Spirit for guiding my prayer. Thank you Jesus for your absolute authority that we can count on. Thank you for wanting to answer our prayers. I believe in you! Amen.