They Besought Him Earnestly

Beads of Joy 09-13-10

They Besought Him Earnestly
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

An absolutely incredible miracle has been performed in Capernaum. Today's gospel is such an inspiration for all of us. How much do we really love one another? How much do we really trust and know in an expectant way that Jesus' words alone possess the power the heal? Today's gospel is Luke 7:1-10 (The Healing of the Centurion's Servant). This Centurion just knew that Jesus didn't even need to be by his servant's side in order to heal him. The faith this man alone possessed most likely saved many that day and even more through all the years that this miracle has been shared in scripture. Both Luke and Matthew share this miraculous healing and outward proclamation of faith. For a moment let us think about the servant. Even though we don't know his name, we can tell by his example that even his master (The Centurion) loved and respected him dearly. He loved him enough to, "And when they came to Jesus, they besought him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy to have you do this for him," that is verse 4. We must keep in mind that this Centurion was most likely a commander over probably a hundred or more soldiers. But on this day his love and faith was magnified before all of them.

Do we possess the same confidence in our prayers? Is our love and faith in Jesus as bold and outward as that Centurions was? Can we possibly live a life day in and day out with all the politics of just living?, and still stand before Jesus with no doubt that He only merely needs to speak for the miracles of healing to happen. I believe so many of us can. Yes God's time and God's will is unknown, and we can't just snap our fingers with some "faith" and figure, "There you go Lord, now heal this person." Yes, Jesus' word is all commanding and complete in that what He says happens. Check out these few scriptures that so prove the healing power of Jesus' words:

-"Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only." Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him." Matthew 4:10-11
-"Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy." Matthew 8:3
-"What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!" "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek." Mark 1:25-26
-"They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat." Luke 8:53-55
-"Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked." John 5:8-9

The faith of this Roman soldier was truly a light that shined that day. Do you see how much scripture shares the power in the words Jesus speaks. We to must have the same expectant faith that this soldier had. Jesus does not need to touch us physically in order to heal us. It is merely the will of God that does the willing and cure that He wrought. God alone has power over all things, and His will is that which we must seek in this life. Through our bold love for our Lord we will learn and know the direction that God is sending us. This Centurion was courageous indeed, he risked the fact that he would be ridiculed by his fellow soldiers. He also approached Jesus in a most humble way, making it known that he is unworthy. To say he was an extraordinary man is almost an understatement. He is someone all of us can learn so much from. Can we practice and live our faith without fear of ridicule and mockery? And even if we are ridiculed and mocked we are still bold, placing our love for God before our own pride. God will know our heart, trust in Him in everything. Being bold is easy, all you must do is sincerely believe. Think of it this way. If I told you the sky was green. You'd say to me boldly and with thee utmost confidence, "No, the sky is blue." No matter what I said, or how I tried to convince you; you in your bold knowledge of the truth would not move one inch away from what you know is the truth. Do the same in how you love and believe in Jesus praying, "Jesus, I trust in You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO