I will come and cure him!

July 1, Saturday of the 12th week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Genesis 18:1-15; Gospel: Matthew  8:1-15

Today we read the story of the centurion coming to Jesus, pleading with him to heal his sick servant. He believed in Jesus' goodness and compassion. He had faith in him, and Jesus answered his plea in return. “Only say the word, and my servant will be free.” “I will come and cure him,” Jesus assured him back.

In our daily lives and prayers, we usually remember before God people who ask us for and need our prayers. We also ask God for our national leaders' enlightenment to meet all humanity's spiritual and temporal needs. But we also have our particular prayer intentions to God for people close to our hearts who are physically and spiritually sick. The centurion loves his servant; he appreciates his servant's role and importance, so much so that he comes to Jesus for his healing.

I was assigned to St. James Hospital in Rome in a female surgical ward. Most of the patients we took care of are dying of cancer. As a young sister, I witnessed their pains, worries, fears, faith, and strength. I comforted them as much as I could physically, cried with them when they were lonely, and brought them to Jesus and Mary in my prayers.

How many people did we pray to before God because we were convinced he would hear us? Because this person is a gift of God in our lives. Because no man is an island? Let us not get tired of praying. Let us claim that Jesus will tell us, “I will come and cure him.”