JESUS WAS AMAZED
In the Gospel narratives, we encounter moments when Jesus expressed amazement. These instances provide profound insights into the nature of faith and its transformative power. Let us explore two such occasions when Jesus was astonished by the faith of individuals.
1. The Centurion’s Faith (Mt 8:5-13)
A centurion – a Roman military officer – approached Jesus, seeking healing for his paralyzed servant. Despite his high rank and being a Gentile, the centurion recognized Jesus’ authority to heal even from a distance.
Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith, declaring, “Truly, I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith” (Mt 8:10). The centurion’s trust transcended cultural and religious boundaries, demonstrating that genuine faith knows no limits.
Our faith, like the centurion’s, should be unwavering. It should lead us to recognize Jesus’ authority and trust in His power to heal and transform lives, no matter the circumstances.
2. The Syrophoenician Woman’s Faith (Mk 7:24-30)
A Gentile woman – a Syrophoenician by birth – desperately sought healing for her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus initially responded with a challenging statement, comparing the children’s bread to dogs.
Undeterred, the woman replied, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Her humility and persistence moved Jesus, who commended her faith and granted her request.
Though the term “amazed” isn’t explicitly used, Jesus’ astonishment is evident in His compassionate response to her faith.
Our faith should be bold, persistent, and willing to challenge norms. Like the Syrophoenician woman, we can approach Jesus with confidence, knowing that even the smallest crumb of His grace can transform our lives.
REFLECTION
Our faith, though often compared to a mustard seed, possesses immense potential. Jesus Himself affirmed this truth, saying, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you” (Mt 17:20). The early church leaders’ mustard-seed-sized faith led to exponential growth, making the Church a refuge for all.
Let us embrace our God-given responsibilities with unwavering faith. When doubts arise, remember the centurion and the Syrophoenician woman. Their stories remind us that faith transcends boundaries, astonishes Jesus, and moves mountains. May our lives reflect such remarkable faith, and may we continually amaze Jesus with our trust in Him.
As Christians, let us cultivate a faith that astounds – not only Jesus but also a watching world. By living with bold, persistent, and humble faith, we can be instruments of God’s transformative power in the world. Let us strive to amaze Jesus with our unwavering trust in His love and mercy.