Word to the Wise
Saturday, June 26, 2021 - Saturday in the 12th Week in Ordinary Time
[Gen 18:1-15 and Matt 8:5-17]"Lord,I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed." [Matthew]
The second and third miracles of Jesus' power and authority at the beginning of his ministry are recounted today. Yesterday, Jesus touched and healed, showing his power over illness and putting compassion ahead of ritual cleanliness. Today, we learn that Jesus does not have to touch the person. He responds to the centurion's faith and heals the servant without seeing him. The centurion's faith inspires Jesus to note that they are mistaken who presume their status in the kingdom he is preaching.
The third miracle is the healing of Peter's mother-in-law. (Imagine a married pope!) Word about this spreads and he demonstrates his power over evil spirits. The Gospel According to Matthew is careful to show that all of this is in fulfillment of prophetic scripture.
These three miracles are followed by others in the days ahead for us. The miracles do not stand by themselves but are part of Jesus' call to faith and discipleship. How do we respond to his teaching and his power? How do we respond to his warning that "{M]any will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the banquet in the kingdom of heaven, but the children of the kingdom will be driven out ....."? AMEN.