1 Cor 11:17-26, 33 / Luke 7:1-10
The gift of faith is indeed a wonderful thing. And when this gift of faith is shown by unexpected people or persons, then it is really a wonderful and amazing thing.
Such was the case with the centurion in today's gospel. Being a soldier and a pagan, he was not likely to be a prominent figure in religious circles.
But when he showed his faith in Jesus, even Jesus Himself was amazed - He was "astonished".
But there was something else about the centurion besides his gift of faith - he took Jesus seriously; he didn't take Him for granted; he believed in Jesus.
If a pagan can have such an attitude towards Jesus, then what about us Christians who are disciples of Jesus?
That was the question St. Paul asked the Corinthians regarding their attitudes during the celebration of the Lord's Supper.
They were taking the Lord's Supper for granted and hence profaning the Eucharist.
We too could end up taking the Eucharist for granted when what we do at Mass is not shown in our daily lives.
If the centurion's faith was amazing and astonishing, then we too need to wonder about what we mean when we say this: Lord, I am not worthy to have you under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.