Lenten Reflection Series- March 15th, 2021

Jesus revealed the messianic purpose and his plan to renew and reunite Israel in radical ways. He did things that would make his Jewish audience look and can’t help but take notice.

Today’s gospel message has a two-fold message behind it. The first one is the fact Jesus talked with and healed a man related to a centurion. Now the centurions were responsible for the day to day oppression of the Israelites as they worked for the Romans.

These men were hated and seen as unclean. Many Jews believed and hoped the messiah would come as a mighty warrior and defeat the Romans as well as all their other enemies.

Instead, Jesus spoke with the centurion and healed his servant. WHAT?! A Jewish rabbi performing miracles for the enemy, this cannot be the messiah, this man is committing blasphemy.

Jesus wants to make it very clear that his message and the messianic age is for anyone who has faith in him, the old Jewish law was being expanded to include pagans, romans, lepers, and more.

This gospel passage also offers a great perspective on our prayer life. The centurion did not question Jesus when he said his servant would be healed and walked away, he was led by his faith.

Sometimes we pray for something, especially healing and expect it to immediately disappear. Every prayer you lift up to God will be answered but according to his will. Do not get discouraged when you don’t see healing right away, just have the faith that Jesus loves all of us and his abundant mercy will be for anyone who seeks it. Try instead to thank God for hearing your prayers and offer to be an instrument in fulfilling his plan, you will experience a whole new outlook not only on your prayer life but on the world in front of you.

God Bless,
Jonathan

​