This prayer comes from the Scriptures, he observed, when a centurion asks Jesus to heal his suffering servant.
He observed that the centurion is both courteous and humble, acknowledging "that Jesus has more authority and has greater command than he as a soldier will ever have."
"The centurion recognizes himself as a servant leader who is subject to the authority of Almighty God," he said.
In addition, the archbishop continued, the centurion respects that Jewish law would discourage Jesus from entering his house because he is a Gentile. He shows faith and accepts God's will while also offering Jesus a way to avoid being defiled by asking him to "only say the word and my servant will be healed."
The centurion is also a known figure of authority, speaking in front of others, Archbishop Broglio noted. His statement of faith is a witness to those around him, and he "is not worried about his position" or reputation in expressing his faith.
"Just as the centurion risked sharing what he believed in front of others, so we also must go and do the same," the archbishop said, encouraging military personnel to recall the prayer of the centurion when they attend Mass.
There is also a great need to recognize our own sinfulness and need for healing, the archbishop added, stressing the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist.
Archbishop Broglio recalled that a centurion was also present at Christ's death, acknowledging, "Truly, this is the Son of God." In the same way, we are called to profess Christ through our lives, our service and our daily prayer, he explained.
"We bring Him to others in our faithful witness, our joyful proclamation, our enduring hope, and our practice of charity," he said.