CRY OF SUPPLICATION? ~ CookingFood.Org

“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”

Saturday, 25th June 2016,

Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time

Lam 2: 2, 10-14, 18-19;

Ps 74: 1-7, 20-21;

Mt 8: 5-17

CRY OF SUPPLICATION?

The readings of today present two cries from the heart, to the Lord: the first one is of the Israelites in the form of a Lamentation, and the second is a cry of the Roman Centurion in the Gospel. Both appeal to Lord in a terrible and disastrous situation. Both cries are a supplication of the Lord to come and heal them, to soothe their longing spirits, to protect them from their enemies.

The first cry is in anguish and fear. The King of Babylon had seized Jerusalem and had taken away thousands of people from Jerusalem. Those who are left behind had to live in a situation of destruction and alienation. They even suffer lack of food and for their basic needs.

The second cry is of a Centurion, who is a pagan. He comes to Jesus for the healing of his servant. His faith is stronger than that of any Jew. He knows Jesus could command everything and everyone just as he commanded his subordinates. He believes that it was enough for Jesus to utter the word, even without visiting his home. No one is excluded from the healing touch of Jesus. He is close to everyone and especially to the needy and the suffering, because in their hard realities of life they cry to the Lord and their cry is sincere and their strong faith is in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord listen to the cry of my heart; heal me, make me whole and give me salvation. Amen.