1 July 2023 - Only By Grace Reflections

NOTE: Please click the Subscribe key on YouTube and press the black notification bell to receive the daily reflections. Or, open in YouTube for easy access. View and Like. Thank you. TOPIC: DO WE APPROACH THE LORD JESUS WITH EXPECTANT FAITH? First Reading: Genesis 18: 1-15 Responsorial Psalm: Luke 1: 46-47, 48-49, 50 and 53, 54-55 Alleluia: Matthew 8: 17 Gospel: Matthew 8: 5-17 In Jesus’ time, the Jews hated the Romans because they represented foreign domination, pagan beliefs and practices. In today’s Gospel, Jesus did not only warmly receive the Roman centurion, but regarded him as model of faith and confidence in God. The centurion occupied a very important position during the Roman times. He was the backbone of the Roman army, commanding at least one hundred soldiers. The centurion who approached Jesus to heal his ailing servant was not only courageous but faith-filled as well. He risked the ridicule of his peers by seeking the help from an itinerant preacher from Galilee, as well as mockery from the Jews. Nonetheless, he approached Jesus Christ with confidence and humility. Faith provided the meeting point. The centurion, from his own life, recognized the power of the spoken word. His request was inspired by the conviction that Jesus could cure his servant, and He had the authority to do so. The words he used have been restored to the prominence as we say "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” The faith of the centurion meets with the power of Jesus to heal, and all is changed. This is the 1175th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings. [NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Solphie Confiado as he brings us today's reflection.] All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS] #OnlyByGraceReflections #CFC #CouplesForChrist