GREAT FAITH

Jesus answered, “I have never found anyone in Israel with a faith like this.” (Matt.8:10)

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a Roman officer met him and begged for help. “Sir, My servant is sick in bed at home, unable to move and suffering terribly.”

“I will go and make him well.” Jesus said.

“Oh no, sir” answered the officer. “I do not deserve to have you come into my house. Just give the order and my servant will get well. I, too, am a man under the authority of superior officers, and I have soldiers under me. I order this one, ‘Go!’ And he goes; and I order that one ‘Come!’ and he comes; and I order my slaves, ‘Do this!’ and he does it."

When Jesus heard this, he was surprised and said to the people following him, “I tell you, I have never found anyone in Israel with faith like this. I assure you that many will come from the east and the west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But those who should be in the Kingdom will be thrown out in the darkness, where they will cry and grind their teeth.” Then Jesus said to the officer, “Go home, and what you believe will be done for you.”

And the officer’s servant was healed that very moment.

(Matt.8: 5-13)

 Thanks be to God!!

Through this passage once again our Lord clearly proves that confessing the true faith helps us to achieve blessings.

As our thoughts wander to the qualities of the Roman official whose request was granted by the Lord.  In spite of being a top ranking official, there are no traces of ego or pride but his humbleness and love towards his fellowmen (servant) is evident throughout as we read that he begged to the Lord for his servant. His great faith in the Lord  can be measured by the very fact that he is aware of his unworthiness to receive the Lord in his home but is very sure that just a word from the Savior is enough to heal his servant, who is far away from him. He believes and knows the power of an order and thus without any doubt his faith is answered.

In the Gospel, we see Jesus names the faith of many. The part he describes the faith of the Roman officer as “Great Faith.”

Dear Friends, Great Faith made way for Jesus to perform great miracle. When the Roman officer confesses the faith he treasured in his heart, with his lips, nothing else was mangled in it. The condition devoid of suspicion obtained healing for his servant who was away from him.

The disciples of Jesus too had faith. In Gospel (Matt. 14:22-23), Lord describes the faith of Peter and named it too …… ‘Man of Little Faith, why did you doubt?’

When we say that we have faith, but give priority to suspicion and fear, then it is not Jesus but our wavering attitude that steals away all our blessings.

Lord who granted various names such as Miraculous Faith, Great Faith, Firm Faith, Hopeful Faith, Little Faith, for faith of different individuals will surely lean over your vessel to save you and give an exact name to describe your faith.

It would be excellent to know what name Lord Jesus gives to your faith!

Are you giving the same place to Jesus as Peter who was sinking and drowning in faith or between groans do you allow Him to silently command like the Roman officer?

Many exhibit firm faiths in victory and joy, but when the wind blows adversely many criticize Jesus and all those who help Him become wrongdoers in your view. Faith for such people is nothing but invisible experience.

What is True Faith?

Bible clearly teaches that to have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for and to be certain of the things we cannot see. (Heb.11:1)

Many times we may have to encounter difficulties alone with no one to turn to, such times be sure to hold on to your faith and hope you will succeed in your trials because the Savior accompanies you. In this manner when you strengthen your mind and cast out all the suspicion and fear from your heart, dear ones, it is then that The Faithful will appear.

True Faith resides in invisible elements but it is within the promises of God which are yet to be seen.

There were many who due to their lack of faith could not receive healing when Jesus left Nazareth, and they remained there after in the same state. Therefore it is impossible to obtain blessings without active faith. Jesus as a friend awaits patiently to help us in our trials. It is due to our lack of confessing our faith and doubtful nature which becomes an obstacle in receiving it.

“Whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6)

When storm and winds strike the life of a believer, we have to believe that Satanic power is fighting against our Holy Faith. The Bible says that if Jesus and ourselves have to win victory in the attack of the enemy, then faith in Jesus is the weapon for it.

Though the disciple of Jesus knew that He was Savior and Teacher, yet they could not trust His words when He said that we shall go to the other side of the lake. They began to default Jesus when a little wind blew. So also we too may be often dwindling down.

Dear friends in Christ, by seeking the power of God’s knowledge and meditating through prayer, we shall win over the above said weakness.

The Resurrected Lord says, “I will be with you always to the end of the ages.” (Matt. 28:20)

Shall we pray together….

Jesus who promised to be with us, grant us to always see You before us. With our mangled faith, give us the courage to confess our faith and to obtain the victory over the culprit. Give us the courage and great faith to live, love and toil for the best in this life and above.

Mother Mary, who has received the most favor of God through your glorious faith, lead us to your son. Amen!