From a Distance

And when he had finished all his words in the hearing of the people, he entered into Capharnaum. And the servant of a certain centurion, who was dear to him, being sick, was ready to die. And when he had heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the ancients of the Jews, desiring him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him earnestly, saying to him: He is worthy that thou shouldest do this for him. For he loveth our nation; and he hath built us a synagogue.

And Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent his friends to him, saying: Lord, trouble not thyself; for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof. For which cause neither did I think myself worthy to come to thee; but say the word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man subject to authority, having under me soldiers: and I say to one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doth it. Which Jesus hearing, marvelled: and turning about to the multitude that followed him, he said: Amen I say to you, I have not found so great faith, not even in Israel. And they who were sent, being returned to the house, found the servant whole who had been sick.
Luke 7:1-10 (Douay-Rheims)

Prayer

Dear Father I never truly understood the meaning behind the words"Lord, I am not worthy, but only say the words and I shall be healed," when we say them at Mass. It is with deep faith in your Son that the man in this Gospel seeks healing for his servant, from a distance. But now I understood how at times I have put you at a distance not so much by this very meaning, but by my own unworthiness. That when we say these very words we mean it from our heart. Because I trust in Jesus to bring healing to areas of my life that need repair. I am so reminded of my own littleness at a moment when I see how truly small I am, where you are glorious. As I gaze upon the Lamb of God, my whole being pays the deepest of respects as I bow my head in supplication as joy fills my heart. The meaning then becomes so clear then, for you are the divine healer of our souls. Amen