Reflection for December 4
It’s difficult to imagine that a battle-tested soldier, with the command of more than 100 tough and rambunctious military recruits, fits the image of a humble, self-effacing, and compassionate man. After all, to reveal any chinks in his manly armor to his troops would likely undermine the centurion’s authority as a strong leader. That is the incongruity that we struggle with in Matthew 8:5-11.
First, we find that at a time when slaveowners were more likely cruel and overbearing with their servants, we learn the depth of the centurion’s empathy when he revealed how disturbed he was to know that his servant was suffering so terribly. Trusting that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, he appealed, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” When Jesus offers to “come and cure” the servant, the centurion reveals still another side of his great faith and humility when he says, “Lord I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof, but only say the word and my servant will be healed.”
History is full of examples of men who falsely believe that to be a strongman is the epitome of manliness. But, the story of the centurion reveals quite the opposite, that compassion is the highest expression of a fulfilled humanity.
This Advent, every time we say Holy Family’s chosen theme, Only Say the Word, we are placing trust in God’s infinite mercy.
Jim Malley