I AM NOT WORTHY…

1 Timothy 2:1-8

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men,
2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way.
3 This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony to which was borne at the proper time.
7 For this I was appointed a preacher and apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

Luke 7:1-10

1 After he had ended all his sayings in the hearing of the people he entered Caperna-um. 2 Now a centurion had a slave who was dear to him, who was sick and at the point of death. 3 When he heard of Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his slave.
4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him,
5 for he loves our nation, and he built us our synagogue.” 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; 7 therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.
8 For I am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
9 When Jesus heard this he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude that followed him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave well. 

MEDITATION

St PAUL makes the point that the message  of salvation must not be limited to the general population, but it must be offered to those who are in positions of power and authority in government. 

Paul speaks from a position of authority when he desire that Timothy and by implication other bishops of the Church offer Holy Mass and prayer intercessions for the political establishment to effect a harmonious relationship with the leaders of these institutions with the hope that they also be saved. To be sure, the Church and it’s teachings will more often than not be at odds with the political elite, which requires God’s people to be charitable exemplary peacemakers in the home and secular world.

St LUKE’S GOSPEL account tell the story of a Roman military commander who sought the prayer intercession of Jesus for one of his slaves who was gravely ill and at the point of death. Jewish believers who were followers of Christ testify to the fact that this needy centurion is indeed a man of charity who helped build a synagogue for the people! Jesus is gobsmacked at the amazing faith of this non Jewish believer who apologetically insisted that Jesus not leave His assignment to travel to the patient because His “word” will be more than sufficient to effect healing for his slave who was bedridden!

The Church in it’s divine wisdom has incorporated and memorialized the words of faith of this exemplary secular Centurion in the liturgical Celebration of the Holy Eucharist. At the juncture when the priest elevate the Holy consecrated substances of bread and wine with these words: “Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who takes away the sin of the world. (Jn 1:29) Blessed are those called to receive the supper of the lamb,” to which we reply: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed!” Whilst it is true that all of us are unworthy believers, it is precisely for this reason that we aught to present the gospel and our prayer intercession and offerings to those outside the faith who desire to also partake in Christs mercy, healing and deliverance, irrespective their standing in society.

LET US PRAY: Psalms 28:2,7-9

2 Hear the voice of my supplication, as I cry to thee for help, as I lift up my hands toward thy most holy sanctuary.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
8 The LORD is the strength of his people, he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
9 O save thy people, and bless thy heritage; be thou their shepherd, and carry them for ever.

Author. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast.