20th June

Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11, 6

Say only one word

Chapter 8 of the Gospel of Matthew speaks about the approach of a centurion to Jesus. This centurion had great qualities. As a major, he knew how to do, so that the others would obey him. He says if I say to a soldier: "go" he goes, if I say: "come" he comes and if I say: "do this" he does it. In spite of that he remained humble and said to Jesus: "I do not deserve that you enter my roof" (v. 8). He also shows a touching interest for his sick servant.

Will the Lord take into consideration all his qualities, and because of them, answer his prayer? Not at all. Nobody can expect divine blessings under pretext of being good, right, pleasant, sincere. If Jesus follows up the request of this centurion, it is because he found the faith in him which is pleasant to him. It is when the centurion declares: "Say only one word, and my servant will be healed" that Jesus, answering his faith, restores the patient.