COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

I will come. 

The crowds were hounding Jesus, jostling him and pressing upon him. They had never heard anyone preach like him. He had cured countless people—he had even expelled demons! And then a Roman soldier strode up to Jesus. Many probably gasped at the soldier’s boldness or maybe at his humility when he said, “Lord, my servant is . . . suffering” (Matthew 8:6).

“I will come” Jesus answered (Matthew 8:7). Jesus honored the request of a commander of the mighty military force occupying Israel. The centurion’s occupation, his politics, and his position of power didn’t repulse Jesus. Neither did Jesus require him to quit the army, renounce allegiance to Rome, and forswear violence. Rather, he looked into the soldier’s heart and saw not a presumptuous commander but a humble, concerned man acting out of faith. There was likely so much the centurion didn’t grasp about Jesus, but none of it mattered at that moment. Jesus promised, “I will come.”

The centurion didn’t know just then that Jesus had come into the world not to condemn it but to save it (John 3:17). He didn’t know that Jesus had come to save everyone who approaches him in faith, regardless of their “worthiness,” their nationality, or their past sins. But you know. Your occupation, your past sins, or your prejudices won’t drive Jesus away when humility and faith mingle in your heart. At every Mass you declare it, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” And Jesus answers by saying, “I will come.”

How does he come? In the Eucharist, with power to heal and save, to refresh and restore you. He comes in your times of quiet prayer. He comes when your heart is filled with compassion for someone who is suffering.

So take Jesus at his word. Believe him when he says, “I will come.” Then welcome him. Give him your heart, and let him relieve your burdens and bring healing and salvation to your loved ones.

“Lord, I am not worthy, but I ask you to come anyway. Heal me, Lord, along with everyone for whom I pray today.”

Genesis 18:1-15
Luke 1:46-50, 53-55
Matthew 8:5-17

WORD AMONG US