The centurion, who was not a Jew and who, probably, had not even witnessed any miracle of Jesus, believed that the physical presence of or contact with Jesus was not a necessary condition for his exercise of his divine powers. The expression of this faith, so highly praised by Christ, has been incorporated into the highest form of worship in the Church, the Eucharist: "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof; only say the word..." (Mtt 8:.

Contrast this with many Christians today in Nigeria, who think that unless they touch the "man of God" (or his clothes) or are touched by him (or his clothes) and unless they are touched by the holy water used to bless them, they will not receive the favours and blessings they ask of God. Of course, one can also cite the faith of the woman who suffered from haemorrhages: "If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be healed" (Mtt 9:21); and many other similar cases (cf. Mtt 14:36). But the centurion's faith is not common... not even in Israel and not even among Christians.

When therefore people crowd around those they believe to be "powerful men of God" in order to touch them or be touched by them, it may, yes, be a sign of faith; but it can equally be a sign of lack of faith. Lord, I am not worthy that you should come near me or that I should come near you; only say the word...

May God keep you in his love.

+Godfrey I. Ona.