1 Cor 11:17-26, 33 / Luke 7:1-10
The early Church is often held as an example of how she grew despite the persecutions and tribulations.
The accounts are recorded in the book of the Acts of the Apostles.
But that does not mean there were no internal problems.
In the 1st reading, St. Paul lamented over the attitudes of some Christians as they came together for the Eucharist.
There were separate factions and some were even getting drunk, and the poor were neglected.
It sounded rather terrible that things can occur and it was even recorded.
But the deterioration of faith happens throughout the history of the Church even right up to the modern times.
Yet, at the same time, there were also inspiring moments of faith, and that kept the Church going and growing.
In the gospel, the faith of the centurion astonished Jesus, and He commented that not even in Israel had He found faith like that.
That should remind us that if pagans or non-Christians have a respect and reverence for our faith, then we Christians should also be more fervent in our faith.
May we always respect and revere the holy presence of God in Church and especially in the celebration of the Eucharist.