1 Tim 2:1-8 / Luke 7:1-10
The Church is founded on prayer and in all its undertakings and directions, the prayer factor cannot be missing or diminished.
Hence the mission of the Church is to pray for the needs of the Church and all the faithful and also for the needs of the world and its salvation.
Yes the Church is not separated from the world and its affairs and needs and concerns. In fact we need to be an integral part of the world in order to proclaim the Good News to the world.
In the 1st reading, St. Paul emphasized to Timothy the need for prayers to be offered for everyone.
And then he made a particular mention of prayers for the rulers and those in authority, so as to be in harmony with them.
The Church cannot see the world as a hostile opponent but rather as a friend to build a relationship with.
In the gospel Jesus showed His favour to the request of the centurion by healing his sick servant.
Jesus even affirmed the faith of the centurion by saying that not even in Israel had He found faith like that.
The Church no doubt has faith. But the faith of the Church should be the catalyst to stir up faith in the world.
May we pray fervently and reverently so that the Church with the world will give glory to God.