Such Faith

When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him and saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress.’ And he said to him, ‘I will come and cure him.’ The centurion answered, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, “Go”, and he goes, and to another, “Come”, and he comes, and to my slave, “Do this”, and the slave does it.’ When Jesus heard him, he was amazed and said to those who followed him, ‘Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ And to the centurion Jesus said, ‘Go; let it be done for you according to your faith.’ And the servant was healed in that hour. When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever; he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were possessed by demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and cured all who were sick. This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, ‘He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.’ Matthew 8:5-17

Today, we hear the story of the faithful centurion and the healing of Peter's mother-in-law. Both were people with very specific roles in life, and both had great love for their family and community. We know that the centurion's faith overjoyed Jesus, yet we don't know how the healed servant responded. We do know that Peter's mother-in-law got up and served her family and friends. More than anything she wanted to return to the things that made her feel complete, made her feel like she was able to do her part. That is what we all want, although sometimes our illnesses and brokenness stand in our way. Let us pray today for those who need healing and for those who ache to do their part.

Glorious Creator, you paint the sky with color

lights dancing in the deepest dark of the night

to remind us there is nothing impossible with you

and that you love and healing surround us all.

When we are struggling, hurting and ailing

we think you have abandoned us to this pain

yet in all times and places your love is reaching

seeking the broken in all of our hiding places.

Help us to seek your healing touch this day

give us the strength to do our part for others

let your love surround us so we might know you

and live in faith and trust that all deserve healing. Amen.