Read | Matthew 8:5-13
When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, pleading with him, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony.”
He said to him, “Am I to come and heal him?”
“Lord,” the centurion replied, “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”
Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith. I tell you that many will come from east and west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus told the centurion, “Go. As you have believed, let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that very moment.
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Notice the humility displayed by the centurion. The centurion, being an individual of high status, shows great care for the well-being of those under his leadership. He is even willing to submit to the commands of a Jewish rabbi. What does that teach us about the act of humility?
Focus
Each week, we will look at a different vice, a habit of character leading us away from the life God longs for us to live, and consider what small steps we can take to root out that habitual sin in our lives.
Vainglory, or pride, resides in our heart and is often amplified by our culture’s desire to qualify us through performance. Notice how the Roman centurion used his high rank not to elevate himself, but to humbly advocate for a servant in need. Take a moment to notice the unnoticed in your sphere of influence. Find a way to honor an individual who might not expect it.
Pray
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.
—St. Ignatius of Loyola
Going Deeper
If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.