THE HUMILITY OF A CENTURION

Luke 7:1-10

This account on Jesus healing the slave of the centurion is also found in the gospel tradition of Matthew and John. But in the gospel of Luke it is somehow unique in a sense that the centurion asked the mediation of some Jewish elders so that he might obtain the favor from Jesus.

Reflecting on the uniqueness of Luke’s version, first we come across the humility and the trust that the one in need has. It is humility to ask someone to mediate, and help in moments of need. It is a practice of trust to be able to rely on another. Where can you ever find a master of the house who would take the trouble to beg somebody a favor for his slave? It would be more logical for a slave to beg and die for his master.

The master in today’s gospel happened to be a Roman centurion with noble qualities. He had high respect for every person without discrimination. It was not a surprise then when his slave was dying, that without hesitation and in all humanity sent people to approach Jesus for help. He had a strong faith in Jesus; he believed that Jesus’ mere words were enough to heal his slave. He claimed to be unworthy to have Jesus in his house. And this is amazing. Jesus will go beyond human evaluations because he has seen something even greater – the faith of the centurion, a faith that already believed even before the action.

 “Say the word and let my servant be healed.”

What does this mean for us? Let us remember that the slave was healed because of the genuine and steadfast faith of his master. The position and power of the centurion were not barriers for his faith, humility and trust. Does your profession, your position, your status hinder you from humbling yourself before the Lord? Can we also be confident in approaching people for help? Do you seek God in faith to heal and to look over your loved ones? Faith is a gift from God not only to save us but to help the lives of others too. Do you have somebody in mind to pray for at this moment? Be like the good centurion, lower yourself and intercede for others.