A centurion (an officer of high ranking in the Roman Army) had the courage to approach Christ and ask for healing for one of his servant who was paralyzed.
This wouldn't be a typical request because the centurion doesn't need to show mercy to his servant.
This high ranking officer believe that Christ could heal his servant. So he pleaded with Christ. Keep in mind that he is a Gentile (non Jew) approaching a Jewish Rabbi for help.
Christ offers to go to the house and heal the servant. But the Centurion says: only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.
The centurion believed that Christ could heal. But get this: Christ doesn't need to even touch the servant. Christ doesn't even have to be in the same room to heal. He could heal from a distance.
The Lord marveled at this kind of faith. "In no one in Israel have I found such faith." Because of faith, Christ healed the servant.
But we say these very similar words at Liturgy: Lord, I'm not worthy to have you enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
Three things that may be thinking about when I say this prayer. First, I'm impressed by the Centurion's incredible faith. Or second, I already have that kind of faith. Or third, if I don't have it, I want that kind of faith.
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