The Centurion and the Dignity of Human person and Relationship

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 12th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel :  Mt 8:5-17*

*First Reading : Gn 18:1-15*

*The Centurion and the Dignity of Human person and Relationship*

*1) The Centurion - A powerful Man*

The centurion who appears in the Gospel is a powerful man 

He had great authority and could command his servants to do any work 

His authority was such, he need no plead for anything with anyone. It is enough to command His servants and things would take place 

*2) The Centurion and the ill Servant*

In the Gospel we see this centurion, is taking extra effort to attend the needs of his ill servant 

The servant was paralysed and about to die. In this context he didn't order any of his servant to attend the needs of the ill servant, but he himself takes interest to assist him in whatever way possible

Such a powerful man the centurion is at the service of his servant, which shows the respect and dignity of human being and human relationship

*3) The Humility of the Centurion*

We also see that such a powerful centurion, practically humbles himself before Jesus and pleads for the cure of his servant

He humbles himself before Jesus, precisely for the sake of his servant 

A Master is Humbling himself before another person, for the sake of his servant shows the integrity of the centurion, his outlook towards human person and relationship

*4) The Centurion and His Unworthiness*

The centurion is a powerful man, yet he feels unworthy before Jesus and to receive Jesus into his house 

He says I am not worthy to have you under my roof. Such a level of consciousness of his own self shows his relationship with God, and with others 

*5)  The Centurion and His Power and Authority*

From the Gospel it is very clear that, the centurion never misused His power in achieving any of the goals

The very fact he didn't misuse his power and authority shows how much he valued the person and their service 

One who misuses the power and authority also exploit people for their own selfish motives. But centurion never did such a thing 

*6) The Service of the Servants and the Centurion*

He really loved the servants and their service. That's why he himself took interest in helping his servant

The valuable service by the servant also made the centurion to build a relationship with the servant and to help him in his need 

So this also shows once again the care and concern of the centurion and his approach towards the servant and respect to the entire humanity  

How do I consider the other, especially the poor and the marginalized?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*