Saturday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time
As we finish this week or reflecting upon our call to fearlessness and proclamation, we would benefit from recognizing that we, at times, must be the recipient of the message we proclaim.
In today’s Gospel, we are presented by the surprising story of the Centurion and the power of his faith. It is remarkable in two ways. First is in the conviction of his faith. He has no doubt that Christ can do what he asked and can heal with a simple word. Second, it is surprising because he isn’t Jewish. He was a Roman occupier, the enemy, and he had more faith than even the disciples.
What can we learn from this? It is this: we will witness radical faith in people we never expected, and we must learn by their example. We are easily tricked into thinking we have it all figured out, even us priests and monks. Occasionally, however, we must learn from those who serve because their faith is more excellent than ours. If we take those surprising moments and allow them to change us, we receive the same faith, and rejoice, rather than judge the diversity of the people in our faith.
Be surprised! Rejoice! Proclaim the truth without fear, and you will receive a great reward.
Reflection by Fr. Etienne Huard, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources