Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 27 June 2026
XII Week in Ordinary Time
Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19. Mt 8:5-17
One Word Alone
After narrating the healing of the leper, Matthew continues to present the mighty works of Jesus. In the previous miracle, Jesus touched the leper with His hand and healed him. In today’s Gospel, Jesus heals from a distance through a single word.
A centurion approaches Jesus and asks Him to heal his servant. His words reveal extraordinary faith: “Only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” He believes that the word of Jesus is enough. Jesus praises his faith.
The centurion understands authority. He knows that when a person in authority speaks, the command is carried out. In the same way, he believes that sickness itself will obey the word of Jesus.
After this, Jesus enters the house of Peter and heals his mother-in-law of her fever. Later, many people possessed by demons are brought to Him. Jesus drives out the spirits with a word and heals all who are sick.
Matthew presents Jesus as One who has authority over sickness and evil spirits. He then recalls the words of the prophet Isaiah: “He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.” Jesus, whom Matthew has already presented as the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets, now fulfils these words through His actions.
What does this Gospel teach us?
Our faith in Jesus opens us to healing. Those who approach Him already believe that what they ask can be fulfilled. Their trust receives the word of Jesus even before they see the result. In this way, mighty works also take place in our lives.
The first reading presents the sorrow of the people of Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem and their exile in Babylon. Their suffering, shame, and helplessness are placed before God. Even in exile, one word from God is enough to awaken hope and begin restoration.
The words of the centurion remain part of our prayer today. At every Mass, before receiving the Eucharist, we say: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
These words express our faith, surrender, and desire. We recognise our unworthiness, but we also trust completely in the power of Christ.
We may carry illness, fear, guilt, disappointment, or helplessness. We may not know how healing will come. Yet we can approach Jesus with the faith of the centurion and pray: “Lord, only say one word.”
His word is enough to heal, strengthen, forgive, and restore us.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A Yesni Prays Initiative
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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