Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Saturday of week 12 in Ordinary Time
Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop, Doctor
Gospel: Matthew 8:5-17In today’s Gospel, the Roman centurion gives one of the greatest professions of faith found in the Gospels: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you under my roof; just give the word and my servant will be cured.” These are the very words the Church places on our lips before receiving Holy Communion. They unite three essential dimensions of faith. First, they express faith in the Person of Christ: the centurion recognizes Jesus as the Lord before whom he stands in humility. Second, they reveal faith in the Word of Christ: he believes that Jesus does not need to be physically present because His word alone possesses divine authority and accomplishes what it declares. Third, they manifest faith in Christ’s personal power over every human life: no illness, distance, weakness, or suffering is beyond His saving reach. This is why Jesus marvels at such faith. Every time we repeat these words at Mass, we are invited to make them our own—not as a routine formula, but as a sincere act of trust. On this memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of Saint Cyril of Alexandria, who defended the truth about the person of Christ, we are reminded that authentic faith always leads us to humble confidence in Jesus. The Lord whom we receive in the Eucharist is the same Lord whose word heals, whose presence saves, and whose power continues to transform every heart that trusts in Him. Let’s reflect: When I say, “Lord, I am not worthy… but only say the word,” do I truly believe in the Person of Christ, trust completely in the power of His Word, and entrust every part of my life to His saving power?
Don Giorgio