Faith in the Divine Healer

September 12, Monday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: 1 Cor 11:17–26, 33 • Ps 40:7–8a, 8b–9, 10, 17 • Lk 7:1–10

“Putting our faith in physicians and their medicines is not enough”

Whenever someone dear to us is sick we immediately seek the help of medical doctors. We believe that only they can cure the sick with the drugs they prescribe and the medical procedures they perform. We put our trust in their healing abilities and agree to pay all costs.  However, in many cases this might not be enough. Putting our faith in doctors and their medicines is not enough. There are many diseases that they cannot cure.

To whom should we seek help besides the physicians. On whom should we put our trust?

This was the situation of the centurion in our gospel today. His servant was ill and was at the point of death despite the efforts of physicians. He decided to seek the help of Jesus. He believed that Jesus could heal his servant even without entering his house. Jesus was amazed at his faith. Thus, when the centurion went home his servant was indeed healed.

The gospel presents to us the image of Jesus as the divine healer who is full of compassion for the sick and the afflicted. Healing the sick was an integral part of his ministry and the manifestation of the coming of God's kingdom. Jesus was impressed by the faith of the Roman centurion who trusted in the Lord's compassion and healing power.

The faith of the centurion is a model for all of us who are ill or whose loved ones are sick. As we seek the help of medical professionals, let us remember that it is not only medications and medical procedures that can help us. We also need to pray and believe in Christ, the compassionate divine healer.