Word to the Wise
Monday, November 28, 2011 - 1st Week of Advent - Mon
[Isa 2:1-5 (or, in Year A, Isa 4:2-6) and Matt 8:5-11]"Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant shall be healed."
These words of the centurion are among those which are part of the "changes" in the English "ordinary" of the Mass which are now in effect for the English-speaking world! In fact, we are going back to a more literal memory! In the USA, for the past 40 years, we have been saying, "I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed." Now we will repeat the centurion's act of faith, substituting our soul for his servant!
The words of the centurion amazed Jesus and after commenting on the strength of the centurion's faith, he says "As you have believed, let it be done for you." The servant was healed in that hour. The use of the centurion's words in our own worship, then, raises the question of our own faith. Would Jesus be amazed at the way we say these words just before receiving communion? He might be, but perhaps not in the same way! When words, even famous words, are said over and over again, they tend to become "formulas" or what I might call, "habitual ritual," and lose their intention and force, even if piously repeated! The centurion knew what he was asking for. Do we?
The "new" translation can have the effect of making us be more "intentional" about what we are saying so that we don't use the "old" words. Perhaps it can make us more intentional about our understanding. What do we mean by saying, "I am not worthy," and "enter under my roof," and "only say the word," and "my soul shall be healed?" Can this be extended to the season of Advent and its anticipation of the coming of the Lord? A new Advent (and a new translation) can lead to a renewed faith! AMEN
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