Having faith, a good attitude is amazing grace

A reflection on the daily readings, for Monday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, by Father Perry.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

+ Attitude is a big thing.

We often caution people not to have an attitude. But, speaking frankly, there is good and bad attitude.

Paul must have faced attitude often in his missionary journeys, and when writing to communities that had been formed; in the process, he discovered attitudes and practices that were not healthy or were even harmful.

And so in this portion of his letter today, he tackles one that comes up in several other letters: “I am speaking the truth, I am not lying.”

For whatever reason, Paul needed to affirm his word.

Perhaps it was just for emphasis like “I mean what I say.”

In any case, Paul spoke up against any attitude out there that would diminish his word or words.

Also, it looks like there was attitude in the practices of some who, perhaps, talked badly against Gentiles who had not come to the faith, or believed differently.

And Paul counseled all to pray for all without exception, and to respect all without distinction.

For after all, Christ and Christ’s grace was abundant; and Christ’s grace could get into every nook and cranny, touch people, and do things that might seem unimaginable.

It was just a good practice to pray for everyone, regardless of their stature or their place in society or what they believed.

Pray for all.

+ Jesus, too, noticed and like today was amazed at good attitude.

The centurion was good to the people. He was not a Jew, and yet the Jews noticed that this centurion loved their nation (nation of the Jews), and even built their synagogue for them.

They could see his very good attitude.

So even the Jews rallied around this centurion, who hearing of Jesus, believed that Jesus had the power to cure his sick and valued slave.

But this centurion was also a humble and respectful man of authority who understood the value and method of using authority.

“Lord, do not trouble yourself,” were the words he sent by messengers to Jesus.

Just to speak, even long distance, would be enough to cause healing, was the attitude of this centurion.

And this stopped Jesus in his own tracks, causing him to remark: “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”

+ Attitude! Good attitude!

Even in a centurion — a non-Jew, not a follower of Jesus — an unexpected person in an unexpected place, came good attitude and faith.

And even Jesus was amazed.

There, it seems, once again, was that Amazing Grace!

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Father Perry Dean Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com.