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Fr George's Letter

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Written by: Fr George

 

THE CENTURION’S SERVANT.  

“The virtues build a new person radiating love to the world .”

(Metropolitan Paul (Yazigi) of Aleppo who consecrated our temple.)

 

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

                                                                                        (Hebrews 4:15-16)

 

SUNDAY 28^th JUNE. Translation of the relics of the Wonderworking Unmercenaries Cyrus & John (412). Sts. Sergius  & German, Wonderworkers of Valaam (c 1353).

 

“Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a source of constant happiness, and a protection against sadness.” 

                                                                                            (St. John Chrysostom) 

 

“When you see the priest giving you the Holy Mysteries, do not think that the priest is doing this. Rather, believe that the outstretched hand is that of Christ.” (St. John Chrysostom) 

 

 

TODAY’S GOSPEL.  MATTHEW 8:5-13. “Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard it, He marvelled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”  Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.”

 

It is not what we are but who we are that matters. In the Gospel, we have a foreigner, a Roman officer of an occupying army coming to Jesus asking that his servant, terribly ill, be healed. The Saviour immediately offers to come to the centurion’s home to cure the sick man. The response of the centurion is remarkable. He gives orders and they are obeyed and he recognises that Christ has authority that transcends the earthly. 

The centurion’s humility and belief in Christ’s power gives us ourselves  a pattern to follow. We invite Christ into our homes knowing that we are not worthy, but His love transcends walls and roofs, time and space and our spiritual healing comes through prayer and true faith in Him. Today the reality of His Incarnation, His life on earth and Ascension into heaven is as tangible as His encounter with the centurion. 

We who have come to Him, with all our faults and failings, foreigners in the world, if we listen to him and act on His words will be healed. Today Christ’s healing power is needed in the world full of darkness and despair, war and hatred. We are obliged to be His hands and feet, to heal, to love and to be His witnesses in the world.

 

                                                                                    Much Love, 

 

                                                                                    Fr. George. 

Please pray for Fr. Alexander Haigh Jnr. Who reposed in the Lord on Friday 26^th June. Please also pray for his parents Fr. Alexander Haigh Snr. And Kh. Hilary and for his wife and son that they may be comforted in this time of great sadness.

Fr. Alexander “MEMORY ETERNAL!”