Word to the Wise
Monday, September 16, 2013 - Monday in the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Tim 2:1-8 and Luke 7:1-10]"Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed...."
The Centurion is a Roman soldier. Both words are important: "Roman" and "soldier." "Roman" is important because it meant a non-Jew and most likely a pagan. However, without seeing Jesus, he believes and sends messengers because he considers himself unworthy to meet Jesus in person. [For a contrast, look at Matthew 8:5-13 where the centurion comes in person!] The first messengers are from the synagogue and they testify to the goodness of the man! "Soldier" is important because the centurion has a military mind-set. An order is an order! If Jesus just gives the command, the servant will be healed. To the centurion, it's as simple as that! This kind of faith actually "amazes" Jesus! Then he turns and tells those around him: "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith."
Hmmmmm...... Are we in that crowd? Do we have "amazing faith?" At the celebration of the Eucharist, just before we go to receive communion, we say the same words the Centurion said. He had a desperately ill servant to help focus his faith in Jesus. We may say those words because that's what we're supposed to say at that point - a ritual gesture! Maybe if we thought about it, we could realize what we are asking as a matter of faith. At that point, we might indeed have "amazing faith!" AMEN