Most Catholics reading today’s Gospel are immediately transported to mass, where we say a similar phrase to that of the centurion-- Just replace the word “servant” with “soul.”
Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
I grew up, like many cradle Catholics, going through the motions of mass without much thought. I remember one week when this phrase suddenly stood out to me. It was like the weight of the words suddenly clicked. Now, it is one of my favorite responses in mass, and I look forward to saying it with my whole heart each week. I am not worthy of God’s presence under my roof, or in my life. Perhaps being unworthy should scare me. Instead, it brings comfort because it means God’s love for us is not earned. It is not conditional upon me being worthy. His love is without condition; His sacrifice is a freely given gift to us. Now, when I say this in mass, it is a prayerful invite for God to meet me where I am under the “roof” of my mind, body, and soul. I am happy each time I ask because it is a chance for me to grow closer to God. The first step is inviting Him in, the rest is trusting that He will lead me where I am meant to be.
The faith and trust thing is difficult. I know God can do all things, but my fragile human heart worries if He will. Is His plan really better than my desires, especially if I do not know what will happen? Could I have faith like the centurion, whose belief amazed Jesus? When I think of this interaction, it strikes me how it would have been frowned upon for the centurion to approach Jesus if for no other reason than because he was a symbol of Roman power, and the Romans were long at war with the Israelites. Followers of Jesus may have been upset at his approaching, much less receiving the favor of a visit, because of the hurt his people had brought to theirs. How difficult must it have been for him to approach Jesus, not knowing what animosity he might face. But Jesus does not receive him with bias, rather He praises him for a faithfulness unlike what He has seen in Israel. I am sure that ruffled some feathers. Imagine an outsider being praised for such qualities? The centurion also approached with humility, seeking help not for himself but for another. He was trying to be a good steward of those who were his responsibility. He trusted the Lord to take care of his servant.
To conclude, I ask God to help us be good stewards of our relationships. May we have the courage to invite God into our lives, and help us to trust that through His unconditional love for us, He will lead us on the right path.
Mirielle Mason
I am originally from Colorado, and ended up at Creighton for six years while I earned my PharmD in 2024. Immediately following pharmacy school, I got married and moved to the east coast to join my husband, who is in the marines. I am lucky to be working as a pharmacist in my field of choice: Long Term care. In my spare time I read, spend time outdoors, and care for our two cats and horse!
My time on campus was beautiful, yet also burdened by the pandemic. The roles I had in campus ministry were diminished due to the restrictions, and this weighed heavily on my heart. My choir director was so kind as to recommend me to write for Creighton Online Ministries as a replacement for the reflections I was supposed to be doing in my ministry. I am new to this specific ministry, but it has already taught me so much and brought me many blessings.
