Faith That Amazes Jesus

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Have you ever wondered if it is possible to surprise Jesus? The Gospel tells us many times that people were amazed at Jesus. But today, something different happens. Jesus is amazed. What amazed Him? It was the faith of a Roman centurion.

A centurion was a Roman army officer who commanded about one hundred soldiers. The Romans were the occupying force in Israel. Many Jews saw them as enemies. If you met a Roman soldier, you probably wouldn’t expect him to become an example of faith. Yet this man walks up to Jesus – not for himself, but for his servant. That is already unusual. Servants were often treated like property. If one became sick, many masters would simply replace them. But this centurion cares deeply. His servant is suffering, and he cannot bear to see it.

Then Jesus says something unexpected: “I will come and cure him.” Listen carefully to the centurion’s reply: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Only say the word and my servant shall be healed.”

Does that sound familiar? Every time we come to Mass before receiving Holy Communion, we repeat those same words. Why? Because the Church wants us to have the same attitude as the centurion: humility and complete trust.

He believed that Jesus did not even have to enter his house. One word from Jesus was enough. Think about that. He trusted Jesus’ authority because he understood authority himself. As a soldier, he knew that when a commander gave an order, it happened. He believed that sickness also had to obey the command of Christ. What a beautiful faith!

Now let me ask you a question. When you pray, do you really believe Jesus can act? Sometimes our prayers become routine. We say the words, but our hearts are somewhere else. The centurion reminds us that faith is not about saying many words. Faith is believing that one word from Jesus can change everything.

So perhaps today’s question is simple: Does my faith still amaze Jesus? Not because it is perfect. But because I trust Him completely even when I cannot yet see the answer.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Like the centurion, I know I am not worthy, but I also know You are full of mercy. Increase my faith when I doubt, strengthen my hope when I grow tired, and teach me to trust that one word from You is enough. Heal not only my body, but also my heart, my family, and my soul. May I leave this Mass believing that nothing is impossible for You. Amen

– Homily by Rev Fr Patrick Agbeko