Come Closer

~~~ Isaiah 2: 1-5 ~~~ Psalm 122 ~~~ Matthew 8:5-11 ~~~

Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;

only say the word and my servant will be healed.

The words we speak before receiving Communion at every Mass 

are taken from today's gospel reading.

The centurion was not asking Jesus to go out of his way

or to change his plans for the day.

The centurion was only asking Jesus to
speak his healing words.

This soldier had a greater faith then
 we often have when praying.

This soldier was recognizing the authority
 Jesus had over sickness.

This soldier believed that Jesus had his healing power

extended beyond his immediate physical reach.

...That he may instruct us in his ways,

and we may walk in his paths.

God never hears us because of our worthiness;

he hears us because we are his own.

We belong to him.

If we believe for one minute that we can sustain

 ourselves without God we are surely doomed.

We have life through him...he alone gives life...

he alone takes life.

We must come face to face with Jesus,
just as this centurion did, when making our requests.

A teacher, surrounded by her students, is able to use 

visual cues to assess her instruction.

A student benefits a great deal by being in close

proximity to the teacher

for similar reasons.

Jesus invites us to come closer 

so that he may instruct us in his ways.

Jesus invites us to come closer so that he can

instruct us as we walk together.

We are Blessed to have a God that does not allow our 

'worthiness' to get in the way.

Our lack of 'worthiness' is no obstacle for him.

~~~Peace~~~

Three years ago, this blog was begun

below is the post written for these readings in 2012.

From a Distance