Homily: Motorise your faith

Commentary on Matthew 8:5-11

The readings of Monday, the first week of Advent, present the story of the centurion who came to Jesus asking for healing for the servant. Jesus was impressed with the centurion’s level of faith.

“Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.

What struck me in the passage is the level of the man’s faith. Where did he get the faith? Of course, he is not a believer (not an Israeli). Many of us believe that being a member of the body of Christ through baptism guarantees faith; yes, it enrols you into the Church but we must go beyond the level of “I believe” to the level of “I believe and trust and rely on him” That is the faith of the centurion when he asked Jesus not to come to his house but only say the Word and his servant shall be made well.

During this season of Advent, let us deepen our faith in God through reading the word of God and putting into action the faith that comes through the reading of the Word of God.