Today’s Gospel presents us with Jesus healing a centurion’s servant, Peter’s mother-in-law, and many others. It is a reminder that Christ’s mission is always to heal, restore, and give life. He enters our fears, our wounds, our anxieties, our disappointments, and our brokenness. He still bears our infirmities and carries our burdens.
In that process, Jesus finds a remarkable man in the Roman centurion. He was not a Jew. He was not a member of the chosen people. He was not a religious leader. Yet, he possessed something that amazed Jesus—faith.
Notice what happens. The centurion comes not for himself, but for his servant who is suffering. Already, we see a compassionate heart. A military officer, a man of authority, is concerned about someone who, in the eyes of society, could easily have been overlooked. True faith often begins with genuine concern for others.
Then comes the most beautiful part of the story. When Jesus offers to come to his house, the centurion replies: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” With these words—which we say at every Eucharistic celebration before receiving Holy Communion—the centurion acknowledges two things at the same time: who Jesus was and who he himself was in relation to Jesus, not in relation to his position in the military or any other worldly standard. He recognized the greatness of Christ and his own need for grace.
Jesus is amazed. Not by power, wealth, knowledge, or status, but by faith. Faith, not merely believing that God exists, but in trusting that God’s word has power, even when we cannot see immediate results. And because of that faith, healing takes place.
Perhaps the Lord is inviting us today to become like the centurion: humble enough to admit our need, compassionate enough to care for others, and trusting enough to believe that one word from Christ can change everything.
Three questions to ponder:
1. In what areas of my life have I limited God’s power to my own expectations, assumptions, or understanding?
2. In what areas of my life do I feel called to approach Jesus with the humility, trust, and faith of the centurion, recognizing my deep need for His grace and healing?
3. Who is the “servant” in my life today—a family member, friend, colleague, stranger, or even an enemy—for whom I am called to intercede, care, and pray with humility, compassion, and faith?
Rev. Rashmi Fernando, SJ
I am a Jesuit priest and educator from the island nation of Sri Lanka, historically known as Serendib or Ceylon. I have been blessed to receive Jesuit formation and higher education across Asia, Europe, and America. Most recently, I earned my Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership in Education (Ed.D.) from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, where my dissertation explored global citizenship through the lens of undergraduates’ study-abroad experiences. Deeply convinced of the power of positive narratives that education can create, I believe it holds the key to addressing the ‘care-crises’ that weigh upon humanity and our shared ‘common home,’ while also emancipating individuals and communities. In addition to serving as an online faculty member with Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL)—Jesuit Higher Education in the Margins— to students in Africa and the Middle East, I am currently assigned to Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Determined to make a distinctive, active, and intellectually grounded contribution through Jesuit higher education, I am deeply passionate about reading, writing, and teaching on global citizenship, interdisciplinary leadership, and justice and peacebuilding. In this spirit, I hold close the words of Helen Steiner Rice: “Life is a fabric, weave it with tender care; Upon the loom of life, your pattern is rare.” While I cherish the uniqueness that defines my own life and journey, I am equally committed and eager to recognizing, celebrating, and defending the uniqueness of others—believing that true beauty is revealed where there is unity in diversity, and diversity in unity.
Keep smiling—because God loves you always! I mean, ALWAYS!
