16 September 2019 - say the word

Today's Readings

(Audio)

"He deserves to have you do this for him,
for he loves our nation and he built the synagogue for us."

The centurion knew that he did  not in fact deserve that which he asked of Jesus. In spite of those around him assuring him about his entitlement he knew that he was not worthy to have Jesus come under his roof. He had a sense of the holiness which made John the Baptist unworthy to untie even the sandals. No accumulation of merit and good works changed this. However, his lack of worthiness didn't devolve into a paralyzing self-pity. Even though he knew himself not to be worthy he also understood the power and authority of Jesus.

but say the word and let my servant be healed.
For I too am a person subject to authority

The centurion knew that what he asked of Jesus would not be difficult for him. He had a sense too that Jesus would will to do it. He had no doubt heard of all the healings in miracles that occurred in the wake of the travels of Jesus. This combination of power and generous abundance gave the centurion the courage to pursue the petition he desired.

who wills everyone to be saved
and to come to knowledge of the truth.

Jesus wants to help not only the centurion but all of us. He wants us to make supplications, prayers, petitions and thanksgivings for everyone, especially those in authority. We are not worthy to have him enter under our roofs but he nevertheless desires to save us. He is indeed the only one to whom we can turn. 

For there is one God.
There is also one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus,
who gave himself as ransom for all.

We are not able to put Jesus into our debt so as to require of him that he grant our requests. We must instead trust the generosity he never ceases to show. In our own lives, when prayers aren't answered exactly as we ask and when we ask, we lose this trust that the centurion displayed. Yet we need not. The power of Christ at work today is no less than then. His desire to pour out his love is no less. Let us trust in his love for us.

The LORD is my strength and my shield.
In him my heart trusts, and I find help;
then my heart exults, and with my song I give him thanks.