ACC ~ Matthew 8 v8

LORD, I AM NOT WORTHY

AUGUSTINE: When the Lord promised to go to the centurion’s house to heal his servant, the centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” By viewing himself as unworthy, he showed himself worthy for Christ to come not merely into his house but also into his heart. He would not have said this with such great faith and humility if he had not already welcomed in his heart the One who came into his house. It would have been no great joy for the Lord Jesus to enter into his house and not to enter his heart. For the Master of humility both by word and example sat down also in the house of a certain proud Pharisee, Simon, and though he sat down in his house, there was no place in his heart. For in his heart the Son of Man could not lay his head. [1] SERMON 62.1. [2]

[1] Mt 8:20.

[2] PL 38:415; NPNF 1 6:298** (Sermon 12).

MY SERVANT WILL BE HEALED

CHRYSOSTOM: It is curious that when Martha, who was very dear to Jesus, said, “I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give it to you,” [1] far from being praised, she was rebuked and corrected by the Lord as not having spoken quite fittingly. … For Jesus was teaching her that he himself is the fountain of all good things, the resurrection and the life, as if to say, “I do not wait to receive active power but have it already in myself.” THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 26.2. [2]

[1] Jn 11:22.

[2] PG 57:334-35; NPNF 1 10:177**.