A Faith That Amazes the Lord

A Faith That Amazes the Lord

Reflection on Matthew 8:5–11

When we encounter today’s Gospel, we meet a man whose faith is so exceptional that it stops Jesus in His tracks—the Roman centurion. This officer is not a Jew, not part of God’s chosen people, not someone who grew up hearing the promises of the covenant. Yet his faith shines more brightly than many who did.

The centurion approaches Jesus with humility and trust. He does not demand. He does not insist on his position or authority. He simply presents the need of his suffering servant and believes—deeply believes—that Jesus can heal with just a word. “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.”

We echo these words at every Mass before receiving Holy Communion. And yet, have we truly allowed them to sink into our hearts?

The centurion teaches us three powerful lessons:

1. Humility Opens the Door to Grace

Although a man of rank and command, he recognizes his unworthiness before the Lord. Humility is not thinking less of ourselves—it is recognizing who God is and who we are before Him. When we stand humbly before God, we make room for grace to enter.

2. Faith Does Not Require Seeing—Only Trusting

The centurion did not need Jesus to come physically to his home. His faith rested entirely on the authority of Christ’s word.
In our own lives, we often ask for signs, confirmations, or visible proofs. But the Gospel invites us to trust God even when we don’t see results immediately. True faith believes that God is already at work, even when nothing seems to change yet.

3. God Honors the Faith of Those Who Seek Him

Jesus marvels at his faith—not because it is perfect, but because it is sincere, confident, and rooted in conviction.
God is moved not by status, not by achievement, not by eloquence, but by a heart that trusts Him. And Jesus' response assures us: “Many will come from the east and the west…” reminding us that God’s mercy is wide, His call universal, and His Kingdom open to all who believe.

Today, let us examine our own hearts:
Do we trust in God only when we see answers?
Do we approach Him with humility or with demands?
Do we believe His word has power even before anything changes?

The centurion shows us the kind of faith that pleases the Lord—faith that rests in God’s authority, surrenders with humility, and asks with deep trust. If we develop this kind of faith, Jesus will also say of us, “I have not found such faith…”

Key Takeaway:

A faith that moves God is a faith rooted in humility and trust—not in what we see, but in who Jesus is and in the power of His word.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, increase in me the faith of the centurion. Teach me to trust Your word, to surrender with humility, and to believe even when I cannot see. Strengthen my heart to rely on Your power and Your love. Heal what is wounded within me and help me to walk in confident faith each day. Amen.