The Jews of first century Palestine generally viewed the Romans as oppressors rather than friends. Yet, everyone liked and respected the Roman centurion in today’s gospel – including Jesus. Fr Tony points out that, as we repeat the centurion’s words just before we receive the Eucharist, we should remember God calls us to embrace all – even those who are very different from us.
There is one God. There is also one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as ransom for all.
1 TM 2:1-8
“I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof… But say the word and let my servant be healed.”
LK 7:1-10