Fourth Sunday After Pentacost. [Rom. 6:18-23; Matt. 8:5-13]

   What faith the centurion has! The Lord Himself marvelled. The essence of this faith is that he confessed the Lord to be the God of all things, an all-powerful sovereign and master of all that exists; for this reason he beseeched, speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. I believe that everything is under Your authority and everything obeys Your slightest beckoning. The Lord requires the same faith of us, as well. He who has this faith knows no lack, and whatsoever he asks, he receives. Thus has the Lord Himself promised. Oh, when will we have if only a little of such faith! But this faith is also a gift; we must ask for it as well, and ask for it with faith. Let us ask for it, with a feeling of need for it, ask for it continually, fervently, at the same time aiding its unfolding within us through corresponding thoughts, and most of all by submitting to God’s commandments.