Living Faith, Loving Action
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Passages : Jeremiah 32.6-15 + Galatians 2.15-3.9 + St Luke 7.1-10
We hear so much of war criminals and of ruthless warriors who creat hell for people. Roman soldiers were hated for their merciless harassment and atrocious behaviour. The Jews used to curse them and spit at them. Today's Gospel speaks of a strange procession of Jewish elders leading the Lord Jesus Christ to the house of a Roman Army Captain ! What is that so special about this soldier ? The answer comes from Jesus:
"I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith." - Luke 7.9 and why did the Jews take such lively interest in him? His living faith and loving action. Their answers:He is a loving person:
He was the master of the dying slave "who was dear to him" (v.2) and "he loves our nation" (v.5)He is a liberal person:
He was not only affectionate but also very generous. From his own pocket, not from the Government coffer he paid for the building of a church. "He built us our synagogue" (v.5).He is a lowly person:
He thought less of himself than others had thought or said about him. He said: "I am not worthy ..." (v.6) The Jewish leaders said of him: "He is worthy ...." (v.4)He is a lively convert:
He was no half-hearted convert. Like many new Christians today, he put his faith into practice. The army could not have taught him to be so kind and loving. He must have studied the Word of God and he was alive in the Presence of God. His faith in Christ's healing power was so simple and strong. Just "say the word, and let my servant be healed."(v.7) God's wonderful Word had transformed his life; and now Christ's word would give life to his servant !He is a living example:
Christ lifted him to a high esteem among the faithful. The soldier had professed his faith not merely in words but in loving and liberal activities. Such faith had worked in him, as it always will work in the true followers of Christ.The promise for Abraham's Faith is this: "In thee shall all the nations be blessed." Faith that would work wonders. So then, those who are men of faith are blessed with Abraham who had faith. In the Army Captain not only the servant but the whole community were blessed because of his Faith. True Faith brings blessings to others as it is active ! St. James says that Faith without action is dead. Living Faith leads to loving action !
LUKE OOI