Fruits of Obedience - Fr. Gregory - July 5, 2020

In today's Gospel reading taken from Matthew 8:5-13 Jesus marvels at the faith of a Roman centurion. Father Gregory shares with us how this centurion's faith is put on display for all to see, through obedience and acknowledgement of Jesus' authority. This Roman soldier is a man under authority as well as responsible for those who are under his authority, included the servant for which he has besought Jesus. The centurion recognizes Jesus as the One who has authority over all things. The centurion becomes the model for us as Orthodox Christians in approaching Christ and locating ourselves correctly under Christ’s authority. The fruits of our obedience to Christ will be seen in the virtues of humility and love. In our obedience to Christ’s commandments and acknowledgment of His authority over us we gain humility, which produces in us a real love for others. This love for others including those for whom we are responsible allows us to bring them before Christ in prayer making them the beneficiary of His Blessings.