Matthew 8:5-17 A Centurion whose servant is suffering and Peter’s mother in law are both healed. Spirits are driven out and the sick are cured. (Look to the scriptures for a full rendering of the Gospel reading.)

These are multiple examples of your healing power Lord, all by your word. No hocus pocus, no pills or medicines, no mind games. All are healed by your word. A man of authority recognizes your authority and makes a statement: only say the word and my servant shall be healed. An elderly woman with a fever who suffers greatly rises from her sick bed by a touch – word made flesh. Demons possess many and by your word spirits leave. All this to fulfill the prophesy: He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.

Lord, these people did not beg, blame or ask questions of why or how it came to be that they needed you. They chose to turn to you, to receive from you this healing. You didn’t question motives, sin or faithfulness. You healed. They trusted.

I realize from this reading that sometimes the simplicity of loving my neighbor is just being present. Here. Now. In this moment, at the time called to the need in front of me. I often want to analyze, understand and then think about how I will be affected. Not you Jesus. You looked, listened and responded – with love and action. They trusted you would be this way. And you did not fail them.

Help me to stop analyzing and just love. To spread the word of your truth to the ends of the earth. If not me, then who? Who am I waiting for to do your work? Three examples you gave us today – three different people who needed you and responded to your word and touch. Help me today to always seek to respond to you grace. Help me to say fiat to whatever you want – to be healed or to suffer for the good of another. Only say the word. Speak Lord, your servant is listening.