The geographical boundaries of Jesus' Mission are well defined by the Father: Israel only, period! The few contacts He had with individual Gentiles residing in Palestine showed in them a faith superior to the faith of the Jews, and for Jesus, the continuous sacrifice of his zeal, restricted to such narrow boundaries. Look at the military man of today's Gospel: he is composing a beautiful parable with elements taken from his professional life. He has authority over his soldiers and servants, and Jesus has authority over Nature; Jesus can confront the polio viruses, and give them an order: "get out of this man!" And the order will work, even at a distance, no need to have Him present.

We are peace-makers, but discipline has been for many military people the way to faith and salvation. The first non-Jewish family converted by the preaching of the Apostles was a military family - Cornelius' family. How about St. Martin, the Roman soldier who donated his blanket to a beggar, then converted and finally became bishop of Tour? How about the Legion of Mary, that adopts the speech, symbols and banners of the Roman Legion?