Catholic Men’s Devotional and Bible Study – 24th Week in Ordinary time – Monday – Luke 7:1-10

After completing His Sermon on the Plain, Christ enters Capernaum and is met by Jewish elders acting on behalf of Roman Centurion.  A Centurion, a Roman soldier who commanded about 100 soldiers, had pleaded with the Jewish elders to get Christ’s help to  heal the Centurions slave who was on his death bed; the Jewish leaders obliged because the Centurion, rather than acting like a tyrant, had built a Jewish synagogue in Capernaum; they “begged” for Christ’s help. Undaunted by Jewish laws that limited interaction with Gentiles, Jesus immediately goes with them.

As Christ draws near the house, the Centurion sends friends to meet Christ with message: the Centurion says: “I am not worthy that you should come under my roof…But say the word and let my servant be healed.” It is a remarkable act of humility (a Roman Centurion calling a Jew, “Lord” and begging for help) and faith (believing that Christ just needs to speak and the servant will be healed).  The Centurion, aware of Jewish Laws, wishes to respect the laws that forbids Jews from entering a Gentile’s house (Acts 10:28).

Jesus “marveled” (one of the few times recorded in the Gospel) and announces to the crowd that the Gentile Centurion’s faith exceeds any expression of faith by Jews. When the Jewish elders return to the Centurion’s house, the servant is miraculously and completely healed.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has absolute authority and power over Creation. Omniscient, Jesus can diagnose an illness from afar and has the knowledge to cure it.  The Divine Physician, Jesus has the supernatural power to change the physiology of a person from afar.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Christ heals the Centurion’s dying servant from afar, without seeing or touching him; Christ has the supernatural knowledge and power to heal any illness simply by willing it. Re-read the Gospel and ask yourself, “How does Christ do this?”

2) Men don’t like to admit when they are in trouble and don’t like to ask for help. As the Centurion shows, Christ will help those who approach Him in humility. Humbly complete and Examination of Conscience, pray for Christ’s help to overcome your sins and go to Confession.

3) Many Catholic men have a lukewarm or cold faith. What does Christ think about your faith; does He “marvel” at it? Pray that He send the Holy Spirit to give you a faith like the Centurion’s.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Joyful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Souls in Purgatory

Virtue of the Day – Prudence

Corporal Work of Mercy – To give drink to the thirsty

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To instruct the ignorant