During the past several months I have been exploring the multiple roles and responsibilities I hold in my life:  mother, colleague, neighbor, sister, friend, teacher, and so on.  It is a joy to be the mother of my daughters, but there are times I feel as if I am unchartered territory in my role of parent to a young adult.  Concurrently in my department at work we have been engaging in careful discussion about the roles and responsibilities we hold to fulfill the mission of our program.   I have taken on new projects in the community so I am searching for clarity around my role in these projects.

Therefore, today as I read the Gospel from Matthew, I felt an immediate connection to the centurion as he described the role he has with his soldiers and servants.  The centurion is very clear as he describes the people subject to him:  When he tells a soldier to come, the soldier comes and when he tells the soldier to go, the soldier goes.  And he is also comfortable being subject to others.

I feel admiration for the centurion who is so clear about his roles.  As I wonder how he has such clarity of purpose, I am humbled and inspired by his certainty about his faith.  He brings the words we say in liturgy to life:  “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” It is the centurion’s faith which gives him clarity.   I am not alone in my admiration as Jesus is also amazed by the centurion’s faith.  Jesus said to him: “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” 

Praying with this gospel gives me peace and a sense of purpose.  I can feel the shift to focus on the true role and responsibility in my life which is to have abiding faith.  As I think about all the actions I need to take to fulfill my responsibilities, I realize without faith my efforts are meaningless.  And when I pray, I ask to be able to hear God, so I can be of service to others.