As we meditate on St Paul’s
teaching about the proper disposition necessary for reception and proclamation
of the Eucharistic sacrifice, we see a good example in the life of the
Centurion. Being a Roman, this man sent the Jewish elders to appeal to Jesus to
come and heal his servant. These elders spoke to Jesus about the man’s selfless
service, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our
nation, and he built us our synagogue.” Think about the movement of Jesus
towards the house of the Centurion, and the ‘Eucharistic movement’ that brings
Jesus and the mystery of the Cross to us…
The disposition of the man was
indeed ‘Eucharistic.’ As Jesus drew near the house, he sent message to Him,
saying, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come
under my roof; therefore, I did not presume to come to you. But say the word,
and let my servant be healed.” The man was not only loving and charitable, he
was equally humble and had strong faith in Jesus.
Jesus praised the Centurion,
saying, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” This is the
kind of joy with which the Lord embraces us if we receive Him in the Eucharist
with similar dispositions. As we plan our activities this week, let us be more conscious
of those moments that demand love, charity, humility and faith. If we can
sustain and prolong such awareness, these virtues will become part of our
disposition. Then, our lives and activities will silently but loudly “Proclaim
the Lord’s death until He comes.” Amen.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Monday September 12th, 2022.
