St. John Chrysostom, bishop & doctor

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

1Timothy 2:1-8

 First of all I urge that petitions,

Prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone,  for rulers of states and all in authority, that we may enjoy a quiet and peaceful life in godliness and respect. This is good and pleases God. For he wants all to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth.

 As there is one God, there is one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave his life for the redemption of all. This is the testimony, given in its proper time,  and of this, God has made me apostle and herald.

I am not lying, I am telling the truth: He made me teacher of the nations regarding faith and truth.  I want the men in every place to lift pure hands in prayer to heaven without anger and dissension.

 

Ps 28:2, 7, 8-9

Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard my prayer.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊     

Luke 7:1-10

When Jesus had finished teaching in this way to the people, he went to Capernaum.  There was a captain whose servant was very sick and near to death, a man very dear to him.   So when he heard about Jesus, he sent some elders of the Jews to persuade him to come and save his servant’s life.

 The elders came to Jesus and begged him earnestly, saying,  “He deserves this of you, for he loves our people and even built a synagogue for us.” Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the captain sent friends to give this message, “Sir, do not trouble yourself for I am not worthy to welcome you under my roof.  

 You see I didn’t approach you myself. Just give the order and my servant will be healed.   For I myself, a junior officer, give orders to my soldiers and I say to this one: ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to the other: ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant: ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

On hearing these words, Jesus was filled with admiration. He turned and said to the people with him, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.”   The people sent by the captain went back to his house; there they found that the servant was well.

 

 Gospel Reflection：

 

The Roman officer in today's Gospel must have been dear to the people of Capernaum, for they took it upon themselves to petition Jesus to help him by curing his manservant. We can deduce two  reasons why this Centurion is well-loved by the Israelites.

First, he builds a synagogue for the people, and second, he shows them genuine love and care as evidenced by his deep concern for the welfare of his slave. That is why Jesus did not hesitate but immediately set off towards the house of the Roman soldier.

But the latter once again shows why he is liked by the Israelites. He shows sensitivity to their religious and cultural beliefs. He knows that no self-respecting Jew, much less a religious teacher of great repute like Jesus, would even dare to enter a pagan house.

They would be immediately defiled and unclean. And so, he asked Jesus to just say the word, believing that Jesus could effect what he says. And because of this, healing takes place to the amazement of all present.