Faith is key. Jesus spoke often about the importance of faith, and commended those who had faith, be they Jew or Gentile. In today's first reading from Isaiah 2, the prophet foretells of people desiring to come to the God of Jacob and be instructed in his ways and walk in his paths.
In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 8, Jesus has an encounter with a centurion who desires Jesus to heal his servant. This Roman soldier was not a Jew, yet he believed Jesus could do this. Jesus responds with, "Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven."
This tells us a number of things. First, that there is a heavenly banquet. Second, that those with faith, Jew and Gentile alike, would be admitted. But faith is the key. This is why the Church does not admit non-Catholics to Holy Communion. They must truly believe in the Real Presence. Let us pray for an increase in our faith, and that the whole world will come to believe.
Father, may our faith increase, and may more and more come to believe in your Son Christ Jesus. Amen.
Knowledge is one of the keys to faith. Help others learn the Catholic faith with A Minute in the Church, available at www.GusLloyd.com.
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