Today we hear the story of the Roman officer who came to Jesus to ask him to heal his servant, saying, “but only say the word and my servant will be healed”. Upon hearing his request Jesus said, “not even in Israel have I found such faith…be it done for you as you have believed.”  The centurion’s servant was healed at that very moment!

You see Christ was not only the bearer and messenger of God’s mighty Word, but the very word of God incarnate having the powers to cast out demons, raise the dead and heal the sick. Words have power because they have meaning. God’s Word communicates God’s thoughts. His will or purposes for men and women. God’s structured communication is Holy Scripture. Through Holy Scripture we know God’s will and plan for us. But the Supreme expression of God’s communication to humanity is Jesus Christ.

To abide in Christ’s words is to love Him and to live in union with Him and the Father. For it says, “If one loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love Him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:13)

Today during this 4th of July weekend, we celebrate the Uncovering of the Holy Relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh, one of the most venerable saints of the Church of Russia. St. Sergius did much to teach the love of God to the Russian people and to proclaim His Holy Words to the faithful, through his devotion and love for the monastic tradition.