Reflections

  Jesus Christ who Heals St. Matthew 8:5-17 V.9: “The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed”   In this passage, a Roman Centurion requests Jesus’ help to heal his ill servant. Although Jesus offers to go to the centurion’s home and heal his servant in person, the centurion denies it.  The centurion instead states that all Jesus must do is “say the word” and his servant would be healed. Jesus is amazed at the centurion’s strong faith, going as far as to exclaim that nobody in Israel possesses such faith as the centurion. On the outside, the centurion represents someone who many would perceive incapable of receiving the blessing of Jesus Christ, given that the centurion was both Roman and gentile. However, Jesus admires the faithfulness the centurion possesses, irrespective of his appearance. This passage reminds us of two things. First, of Jesus’ unrelenting love, even for those who may not love hi

  Medical Mission Sunday: Jesus Christ Who Heals St. Matthew 8:5-17 v.13: “Then Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.’ And his servant was healed at that moment.”   A centurion was a high leading official in the Roman army who had control of over 100 soldiers.  Roman soldiers were not seen well by the Jews because they were people who oppressed, ridiculed, and controlled the Jews.  But here we see a centurion, who oversaw many of these kinds of oppressive people who were a bit different than one of his kind.  He was one who was of great faith, compare that to the Jewish religious leaders and their attitudes!  This centurion went to Jesus, he did not look at who he is, his power, prestige, pride, etc.  He genuinely humbled himself to Jesus.  He did not have any barriers that resisted him to go to Jesus.  He gave himself and pleaded for the healing of his servant.  He also responds that he is not worthy to even be near Jesus but needs him.  Jesus

   Jesus Christ who Heals Acts  3:11-16 V.16 “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.”   Acts Chapter 3 covers the story of Peter and John healing a lame man near the Temple. This man was unable to walk properly from birth, so his friends would carry him to the temple gates to beg for money. It wasn’t until Peter and John came and healed him. People were astonished at what had taken place. Peter follows the event in verse 12 by saying: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you?”. Notice that he refers to the crowd as Israelites. God’s chosen people. In doing this Peter is also reminding the crowd of the power of believing in Jesus. That they are all witnesses to His good deeds. He tells God’s people that it is through Jesus that man has been healed. Jesus' grace is not reserved for a special group of people but is freely given to all

Entry of the Lord into the temple St. Luke 2: 22-39 “Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2: 34-35)   Here we see the presentation of our Savior to the temple. During this time there is a lot of waiting for something unknown, realizing there is a Savior on His way, and being patient in God’s timing. In this passage, it is so intentional that God shows to us two elderly witnesses of the good news.  Although during this passage there are customs going on required by law, we must remember the Son that is being presented to the temple is anyone but ordinary. We see this, especially through the hope God placed in Simeon and Anna. Simeon is described as being “righteous and devout” (v25). He was a man that not only followed the laws set before him, but

  Redemption of all creation. Three Day Lent St. Mathew 12: 38-50 v.44-45. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean, and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”   Putting lights and/or the TV on a timer when going on an extended vacation is a standard practice among many individuals. This is done in an attempt to deter home burglaries. For those of you who have seen Home Alone, picture the scene where Kevin McCallister has figures moving around in the dining room window and the music blasting all so that Marv and Harry (the burglars) would think that the McCallister’s have not gone on vacation. The philosophy is that an intruder is less likely to attempt a break-in if they believe someone is home. What about our spiritual

  Redemption of all creation. Three Day Lent St. Mathew 12: 38-50 v.44-45. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean, and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”   Putting lights and/or the TV on a timer when going on an extended vacation is a standard practice among many individuals. This is done in an attempt to deter home burglaries. For those of you who have seen Home Alone, picture the scene where Kevin McCallister has figures moving around in the dining room window and the music blasting all so that Marv and Harry (the burglars) would think that the McCallister’s have not gone on vacation. The philosophy is that an intruder is less likely to attempt a break-in if they believe someone is home. What about our spiritual