The Daily Office for October 9, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
Capernaum, on the northwest shore of Galilee, was Jesus’ primary resting place during His Galilean ministry. Matthew 9:1, in fact, calls it his own city. Since Jesus had no permanent home (Luke 9:58), He must have stayed with one or more of the disciples who lived there (perhaps Peter’s wife’s family or Matthew). In today's New Testament passage we read the familiar story of the centurian with the dying servant. A centurion was a Roman soldier in command of at least one hundred men. There are approximately ten centurions mentioned in the New Testament, and each is presented in a good light. This centurion had numerous noble qualities.
The centurion no doubt had heard of the tremendous healing miracles Jesus had done. This centurion had great influence with the Jews, which was unusual, and the elders give two reasons as to why this Gentile was worthy of having Jesus come to heal his servant: (1) he loved the Jews, and not many Romans did; and (2) he built the Jewish synagogue in Capernaum. The present synagogue ruins in Capernaum date from the fourth century A.D., and are clearly Roman in architecture, but with the Star of David, vine and branches, and other Jewish emblems quite evident. Perhaps this earlier synagogue was styled along the same lines.
Naturally, Jesus could effect healings even from a distance, but He went toward the centurion’s house. When He had nearly arrived, the centurion sent word that he knew Jesus could simply give the command and the servant would be healed. This was said because he felt unworthy to have Jesus come under his roof. Jesus marveled at such a display of faith, and complied with the centurion’s humble request.
Collect for the Day
Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us your gift of faith that, forsaking what lies behind and reaching out to that which is before, we may run the way of your commandments and win the crown of everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.