Jesus is a compassionate divine healer

September 18, Monday of the 24th Week of Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: 1 Timothy 2:1–8; Gospel: Luke  7:1–10

When a person who is dear to us is seriously ill, we immediately go to the hospital and expect the doctors and nurses to take care of him and cure his ailment.

However, there are many diseases that seem incurable. We can spend so much on medicines and health care, but often there is no relief, and we feel hopeless. Out of desperation, we search for anyone who can help us. This requires believing in anyone we think has the power to heal. To whom do we turn to?

In our Gospel today, a centurion, a ranking officer of the Roman Imperial Army, sent intermediaries to ask Jesus to heal his servant, who was seriously ill and at the point of death. He believed that Jesus could heal his servant even if he did not have to come to his house. “I am not worthy that you come under my roof, but say the word and my servant will be healed.”

The foreign official's faith, which was superior to anyone else's in Israel, astounded Jesus. Because of this, the servant got well even without Jesus setting foot in the centurion’s house. This was a case of distant healing.

The Gospel highlights Jesus' compassion for those who are ill and his power to heal, which is a sign of the presence of the reign of God.

Whenever we find ourselves in the same situation as the centurion, we should remember that Jesus continues to be a compassionate divine healer. As we pray for our dear ones who are ill, we should have the same faith and trust in our Lord’s power to heal even if he is not physically present.

The healing that comes will depend on what is needed most: physical, psychological, and spiritual.