The Priority of Care

Gospel:  Matthew 8: 5-17

In Semitic cultures hospitality is an essential component of life and care for others.  We see this in the first reading where Abraham provides a meal to three strangers in his house; it is also found in the ministry of Jesus where the meal and encounter in the home is the central arena for an encounter with God.  This culture provides the foundation for ministry in our own lives.

However, today Jesus meets a Centurion, a Roman not versed in Jewish culture and religion.  He asks Jesus to heal his ill servant.  Jesus offers to come to his house, but this was not the way of the Roman culture.  The centurion approaches Jesus with his own culture and understanding of faith, one with which Jesus finds great affinity.  And so Jesus heals the servant of centurion, respecting his culture and practice.

In our own care for others it is important that we not deify culture and tradition to such an extent that we neglect the care of others.  The field hospital image of the Church requires that we meet people where they are and meet their needs within the context of their culture, not ours.  The example of Jesus provides us with a way of approaching and serving others that genuinely provides healing and respect.