Homily: December 4, 2023, Monday of the first week of Advent (Not worthy)

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 "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;

only say the word and my servant will be healed.”

This beautiful petition of a centurion, who was a non-Jew, has been used at Mass, in the liturgy of the Eucharist, right before all of us receive Holy communion.

Why? Why is the prayer of a Gentile given such prominence in our highest form of prayer to God? At such a critical moment just before we receive the miracle of the Blessed Sacrament?

Because the centurion’s response, is the perfect attitude all of us should have when we come before God. It shows utmost humility before the Lord, yet displays perfect confidence in Jesus’ compassionate authority.

We are not worthy, yet only one word from the Lord is enough for a miracle to happen.

And so, Jesus declares, “no one in Israel have I found such faith”.

Yes, as mere humans, we are frail, weak and sinful. But God is powerful, full of love and compassion. None of us are worthy for God but God does not ask for worthiness, He asks for faith and confidence in Him. None of us is good enough for God, but God is always perfectly good for us.

The centurion was a gentile, but he truly believed in the authority of Jesus without doubt. He knew he was a non-Jew and thus had no right to enjoy the same privilege as the Jews, but he understood the compassion of Jesus without shame.

Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus came not to call the righteous but the sinners. He already knows how messy and sinful our life is. He is just waiting for us to realize and admit our sinfulness, which is the cause of our troubles – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

In recognizing our unworthiness, we recognize His authority over our sins. He has the power to cleanse us, heal us and restore us. Do we have the faith to ask for it?

Our world needs healing, we need healing. In this season of advent, let us ask and ask, humbly and confidently.

"Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

Amen.


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