Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 2014

The Savior had now set out upon His way to restore the sick man. But the centurion said trouble not yourself, but speak a word, and my child will be healed. Consider, then, that the elders of the Jews begged Jesus to go to the house of him who requested His aid, as not being able in any other way to raise him up who was lying ill, except by going to his side – whereas the other believed that he could do it even at a distance, and effect it by the inclination of His will.
He asked for the saving word, the loving assent, the all mighty utterance; and justly, therefore, did he win a sentence of surpassing worth; for Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, that not even in Israel have I found so great faith.” The proof then, and demonstration, follows closely and immediately from what we have now said. Finally, He delivered that same hour from his sickness him who a little before had been the prey of death; for He who willed the undoing of what had happened was God…
The heathen were called and admitted, as having a heart better prepared for that faith in Him, which justly is required… They went quickly to the faith, that is, they were not slow in accepting the commands of Christ, but very readily embraced the faith.
For that they were to be caught in Christ’s net, He teaches you where He says by one of the holy prophets, “For this wait for me,” says the Lord, “until the day of my rising up to bear witness, because my judgment is for the congregations of the heathen.” For when Christ rose from the dead, He bestowed on those that were in error that judgment which is for their happiness and salvation.
St. Cyril of Alexandria

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