Matthew 8 is packed with some of the most moving stories! I love the Centurion's tale. I can't help seeing Ernest Borgnine as my own centurion as he did such an excellent job in the movie. But, as I dwell on the moment I see even more than what was conveyed in the movie.
Oh so much love! So great a reverence this man has for Jesus! Truly, I dare say that he is worshiping Jesus as he makes his request for the healing of his servant. And Jesus is utterly moved by his request. Oh such a look of concern and urgency upon His beautiful face and He immediately begins hurrying in the direction of the centurion's home, as He assure him "I will come right a way and heal him!"
But the man holds onto Jesus to stop Him and now is falling to his knees at Jesus' feet! I am so moved by this sight! Oh how I love this man who loves my Lord! The centurion shamelessly professes his faith before the whole crowd in the famous discourse which has been forever acknowledged by the Church in the very midst of the Eucharistic celebration: "...Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof, speak but the words and my servant shall be healed!"
Jesus embraces the man and the soldier cannot contain his emotions. In front of the whole crowd of "lowly" townsfolk he is crying. I am crying at the humility and love of this man. I want to see him again, want to visit his home and see how he will explain this to his family. I want to see them all in the Upper Room during the novena before Pentecost.
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