Monday in the Fourth Week of Lent

In today’s gospel we hear about a Roman official, called a centurion in the other gospels.  He was an officer in the army of Herod Antipas. Centurions were highly respected, powerful members of the Roman armed forces. They are well thought of throughout the New Testament.  And this centurion was especially respected by the Jewish elders who came to Jesus on his behalf. They said, “He loves our people, and built our synagogue for us.” 

So, Jesus went with them to the centurion’s house. But when Jesus was not far away, the other gospels tell us the centurion sent friends to say, “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof … but only say the word and my servant will be healed.”  He was a soldier to be feared, a good and virtuous man to be loved, and a humble man to be imitated. 

That is what we do at our celebration of the Eucharist every day when we make our own the prayer of this great man, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” 
It’s pretty amazing that an officer in the Roman army who lived over two thousand years ago taught us a prayer that millions of Christians have repeated every day for two thousand years.  We know his prayer; may we also share in his humility!