1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33 / Luke 7:1-10 (2023)
The gift of faith is indeed a wonderful thing.
But when this gift of faith is shown by unexpected people or persons, then it is really amazing.
Such was the case with the centurion in the gospel passage.
Being a soldier and a pagan, he was not likely to be a prominent figure in the religious circles.
But when he showed his faith in Jesus, even Jesus was amazed - He was "astonished"!
But was there something else about the centurion besides his gift of faith? Could it also be that his military discipline had an influence on him?
We can say that the centurion took Jesus seriously. He didn't take Jesus for granted. He believed in Jesus.
So if a pagan can have such an attitude towards Jesus, then what about Christians? What about us?
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 even profaning the Eucharist.
We too could end up taking the Eucharist for granted when what we celebrate at Mass does not flow into our lives.
Let us remember that when we come for Mass and receive communion, we profess our faith in Jesus and we enter into the mystery of His death and also share in the glory of His resurrection.