I AM NOT WORTHY! ~ CookingFood.Org

“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”

Daily Reflections

Monday, 18^th September 2017.

Twenty fourth Week in Ordinary Time

1 Tim 2: 1-8;

Ps 27: 2, 7-9;

Lk 7: 1-10.

I AM NOT WORTHY!

In the story of today’s Gospel, we hear the centurion’s response of faith in Jesus. The emphasis in the miracle is given to the power of Jesus’ word. The “slave is at the point of death” and the centurion sends a delegation of elders, who would have been leaders of the synagogue, to vouch for the merit of his request. As Jesus starts for the centurion’s house, a second delegation of the friends of the centurion is sent. The centurion’s words, “I am not worthy” contrast sharply with the tribute paid to him by the Jewish elders, who testified, “He is worthy”. The effect is to place the centurion faith in focus. He is confident that Jesus could heal at a distance. Just as he acts by commanding his subordinates, he expects no more than that Jesus would do the same. The point of the story is Jesus’ affirmation of the centurion’s faith and not the report of the healing that concludes the story. Luke’s description communicates Jesus’ surprise at the Gentile’s faith, and his approval as well. Where Jesus would have expected to find faith in an Israelite, here he finds it in a Gentile.

There are times when after having tried all available means to solve a problem that we might be facing, we might be tempted to throw up our hands in despair and simply give up. The centurion’s faith is an inspiration to every one of us that we need to keep on keeping on despite all evidence to the contrary. We are all unworthy of Jesus. But in spite of this, Jesus enters our homes, he knocks at the door of our hearts. Not because we deserve, but because he loves us…he gives us more than we deserve!

Reflect, today, upon those inspiring words of the centurion. “Lord, I am not worthy…” Say them over and over and allow them to become the foundation of your relationship with our Lord. In this humility, you will be richly blessed.

Prayer: Lord, I am not worthy that You would come to me. I am not worthy of the precious gift of Holy Communion or of Your mercy in my life. Please Lord, help me to continually see that all You give is a gift of Your unlimited mercy. I thank You, dear Lord. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.