Mark 13:36-37
Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.
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In movies, centurions are depicted as strong, tough and ruthless guy. He is fully armored and riding on a chariot as he goes through the street not minding if he would hit a person. In those days, for an army to function there has to be iron discipline, so that each member of the force is so well trained that they each know what to do and who to defer to in the heat of battle. There is little room for sentiment and personal reactions if the army is to function efficiently when it matters.
This is the reason why today’s gospel would really strike one’s heart. The centurion has not just shown one, but two great Christian values, among others. That is, humility and faith in God. He was humble because he even went his way just to ask Jesus to have his servant cured. Slaves at that time does menial task. But for this centurion, the slave may well have been a key part of his family and was very dear to him. So in a few words we have a very sympathetic portrait of a powerful but very humble Roman man.
But his second action was more revealing and unexpected. Although he still remained proud (he still sees himself as a man subject to authority with soldiers reporting to him), his belief in the healing power of Jesus is remarkable. Without hesitation, he still sought his mercy and ask that “only say the word and my servant will be healed”. He did this because he knows that he is not even worthy to allow Jesus enter his house.
The centurion saw himself in relation to God and recognized his own insignificance. In the eyes of the world, we may be important. But we should know what is more important. And that is our own salvation.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, let me follow You. Let me deny myself and take up my cross and follow You. Teache us that self denial is the road to spiritual fulfillment. Let us offer ourselves to You and be willing to wait upon Your will for us.
Amen +
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
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