Empower Your Faith / Monday of Week 24; St. Joseph of Cupertino, Luke 7:1 — 10

September 18, 2023

GOSPEL

When Jesus had finished all his words to the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave who was ill and about to die, and he was valuable to him. When he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and save the life of his slave. They approached Jesus and strongly urged him to come, saying, “He deserves to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation and he built the synagogue for us.” And Jesus went with them, but when he was only a short distance from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed. For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come here, and he comes; and to my slave, Do this, and he does it.” When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him and, turning, said to the crowd following him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When the messengers returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

Reflection: The Profound Simplicity of Faith

In the tapestry of biblical narratives, the story of the centurion stands as a shining thread, weaving the essence of faith in its most genuine form. On this day, as we honor St. Joseph of Cupertino, known for his deep and simple faith, we’re called to reflect on the profound beauty of trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly.

How often do we, in our complex world filled with formulas, proofs, and need for validations, overlook the pure, unadulterated power of faith? The centurion, a Roman, not a Jew, showcases an unwavering belief in Jesus’ power. He doesn’t need Jesus to be physically present or perform a ritual; he believes in the omnipotence of His word alone. “Say the word, and let my servant be healed.” How beautifully audacious is this statement?

Isn’t it awe-inspiring that this Roman officer, accustomed to commands and tangible powers, recognized the supreme authority of Jesus? He sees, in Jesus, a power far surpassing any worldly dominion. This man, who could order soldiers with a mere gesture, humbles himself before the Lord, emphasizing his unworthiness. Isn’t there a lesson here for all of us, who sometimes feel too self-sufficient, too self-reliant?

In the centurion, we find a mirror reflecting the kind of faith we’re called to have — a faith not bogged down by rituals, but elevated by pure belief. His faith is a beacon, reminding us that true belief doesn’t need signs; it needs sincerity.

St. Joseph of Cupertino, too, in his simplicity, displayed a faith that was both innocent and profound. Legend tells of his levitations during prayer, a testament to his unwavering connection with the divine. While we may not levitate, can our faith elevate our spirits, lifting us above the challenges of the mundane?

In today’s world, where seeing is often believing, let’s draw inspiration from the centurion and St. Joseph of Cupertino. Let’s strive for a faith that doesn’t demand to see but believes in the unseen; a faith that doesn’t question but trusts; a faith that is both a shield in adversities and a beacon guiding us closer to the Divine.

In the words of the centurion, let us approach God with humility, saying, “Lord, I am not worthy,” but with the inner belief that His grace is always upon us, healing, guiding, and loving in ways beyond our understanding.