The Gospel writers used the word ‘sign” instead of the word “miracle” to describe the great works of Jesus. The evangelist John tells us that the account in today’s gospel reading is the “second sign Jesus did when he came to Galilee from Judea.”
People met Jesus in different and unique circumstances. While some came to Jesus on their own, others were brought by others before Jesus to be healed. There are also situations where healing took place after people brought Jesus to the afflicted one.
Today’s gospel is one of three accounts where Jesus healed from afar by his words alone, at the request of someone whose loved one was suffering (John 4:46-54). Other healing from a distance would be found in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10 and Mark 7:24-30, and Matthew 15:21-28.
An official of the Roman Army, a Centurion, came to see Jesus because his son was sick to the point of death. He asked Jesus to come before his son died. But, instead of coming with the man, Jesus heals the son instantly. Jesus simply told the man to “Go” and that his son would live. The man returned home and found his son was indeed healed, as Jesus said.
Majority of the parents will do “anything” to have their child in good health. The Centurion was one of those parents. He had to step out of his comfort zone, his circle, in order to ask Jesus for help. He had just enough faith to come to Jesus. He knew that Jesus had the solution to his problem. When he went to Jesus, as a concerned and troubled dad interceding for his sick son, Jesus healed his son immediately without even seeing him or physically touching him.
One unique lesson from the Gospel story is that you and I can do a lot when we lift someone up to Jesus through our prayers of intercession. We are reminded many times in the Scripture that we can accomplish a lot because we have faith.
Lent is a time to let our hearts go out for others. It is a time to lift others up and not tear them down. It is a time to heal wounds. It’s a time to heal others and to let ourselves be healed. The Great Physician is in His office, 24 / 7 / 365. Let’s go to Him. Don’t let someone discourage you, even a spouse, sibling, close friend, or neighbor.
