The faith of a leper and of a centurion

Epiphany season shows us  the Person of Christ, who he is, the incarnate God; his glory is also manifested in the robust faith of his people, as today's Gospel demonstrates. The leper who came and worshiped him had a living and active faith in that he worshiped. Also in the substance of his confession. He know that the Lord could heal him, yet he was content to declare that this may or may not happen depending on the Lord's will for him at this particular time. Still his worship was unwavering. And the Lord's willingness then confirms the leper's faith as well as becomes a  testimony to the priests. Then comes the centurion, a Gentile, who is content and confident that the Lord can heal from afar with only his word. Such faith is the product of the Holy Spirit alone, which is why it causes Jesus to marvel. Thus let us also believe, because of what we know, because of what we have heard, and what has been delivered by this word into our hearts. Living and active faith worships, confesses, and is stubborn in its contented confidence.  Sermon for Epiphany III. The video is here.