The Gospel of Luke, chapter 7:6-9

Today’s reading challenges us to examine our faith; to discover if we really cherish it and are prepared to put it into practice.

Jesus always responded to those who approached him with faith. He still does. The faith of the centurion in today’s gospel was so strong that it did not require a special sign from Jesus. Precisely, because the centurion’s faith was so strong, his prayer was answered.

Faith is not an easy gift to accept. In his letter to the Galatians, St. Paul makes it clear that faith may require taking a stand which is not always popular. St. Paul expresses amazement at those Christians who abandoned the true teaching of Christ for “another gospel.”

Living the faith is a mighty challenge in today’s world. Faith can hardly be called the in-thing today. Faith, which is based on the gospel of Christ, involves standards, values, attitudes, beliefs, and ways of acting that are counter-culture. Living the faith can mean opposing the popular opinions and ethics of our contemporaries. But, living the faith also means living a fulfilling and wholesome life.

The gift of faith was not given to us by God to be deposited in the misty recesses of our minds. It is something to be exercised and enjoyed, otherwise it will die. There are many ways in which faith can be actualized. Spiritual reading, especially the scriptures, helps to develop the right kind of thoughts in the minds of believers of all ages. This is one way of increasing our knowledge of the faith. Doing some service for someone in need also helps to foster the practice of the faith. For example, visiting the sick, the shut-ins, and those who are alone in this world; giving a helping hand to children, the elderly, and the poor in our midst; performing a kind act at home, at school or at work. When you help another person in any of these ways you forget about yourself and reach out, in love, to others. Such is the joy and reward of faith; it sets you free.

It is only by living our faith that God and others can respond to our faith. Faith is like a light, a spiritual light that must shine through what we say and do. This light cannot be left hidden; it must appear for all to see. Only then can we truly delight in it.

The faith of the Centurion in Today’s reading was a light for all to see. Jesus showed amazement at his luminous faith for he was a Pagan, of all things! That is why Jesus said:
“I have never found so much faith among the Israelites.”

Fr. Hugh Duffy