12/1/2025 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 8:5-11

5 When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him,
6 saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”
7 He said to him, “I will come and cure him.”
8 The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.
9 For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.
11 I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.”

12/1/2025 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 8:5-11

The Gospel passsage presents a profound encounter between Jesus and a Roman centurion, a man of authority who demonstrated extraordinary faith. In this account, the centurion approached Jesus on behalf of his sick servant, not demanding attention or asserting rank, but humbly acknowledging Jesus’ power and authority. What makes this moment remarkable is that Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith, a faith that went beyond religious heritage, status, or tradition. It was a faith rooted in deep trust, understanding, and genuine recognition of who Jesus is.

In today’s world, the centurion’s example remains deeply relevant. We live in an age of knowledge, technology, and self-sufficiency. Many people rely on their own achievements, resources, connections, or abilities to solve life’s challenges. While hard work and responsibility are good and honorable, the danger lies in forgetting the essential role of faith, that is, placing our trust in God beyond our human capacity.

The centurion reminds us that faith is not a matter of position or background. He was not a religious leader, nor was he part of the chosen people at the time. Yet Jesus Himself acknowledged that his belief exceeded that of many who should have known better. In our modern era, this invites us to see that faith can flourish anywhere: in offices, classrooms, businesses, hospitals, government institutions, or homes. God is not limited by titles, education, culture, or past mistakes. What matters is a heart that recognizes His authority.

The story also highlights the centurion’s humility. Despite his rank, he did not pretend to be self-sufficient. He did not approach Jesus with pride, but with a deep awareness of his own need. This humility is often difficult in a world that encourages self-promotion and constant proof of worth. Social media and modern culture call us to showcase our success, strength, and independence. Yet true strength is not the absence of need but the willingness to bring that need before God and trust Him completely.

Another important aspect of the centurion’s faith is his understanding of authority. As a soldier, he knew what it meant to give and follow commands. He recognized that Jesus’ authority was not limited by distance, time, or circumstance. This is a powerful message for modern believers who sometimes struggle to trust that God can work beyond what they see. The centurion shows that genuine faith does not require God to explain every detail. It simply believes that if God speaks, it will be done.

The passage also teaches us that faith has a ripple effect. The centurion’s servant was healed because of his master’s belief. Our faith, too, can bless others—our families, colleagues, communities, and even people we do not know personally. When we pray, trust, serve, and live faithfully, we open doors for God’s grace to move in the lives of others.

Finally, this story challenges us to look beyond external labels. God sees hearts, not reputations. Those who seem far away may actually be closer to Him than many imagine. In a divided world, this is a reminder that faith grows wherever hearts are open.

In the centurion, we find a model of humility, understanding, and trust. These are the qualities desperately needed in every generation. May we learn to live with the same deep faith, recognizing God’s authority and trusting His power to work in all circumstances.

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