I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!

 

 Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum.  And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.  So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant.  And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue."  Then Jesus went with them.  And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.  Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You.  But say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me.  And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."  When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"  And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.  

Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd.  And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow.  And a large crowd from the city was with her.  When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."  Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still.  And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise."  So he who was dead sat up and began to speak.  And He presented him to his mother.  Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us"; and, "God has visited His people."  And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.

 

- Luke 7:1–17 

 

 We have been reading through Jesus' Sermon on the Plain, in Luke's Gospel (beginning with Tuesday's reading).  Yesterday we read that Jesus added a parable to His teachings:  "Can the blind lead the blind?  Will they not both fall into the ditch?  A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.  And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye?  Hypocrite!  First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.  For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.  For every tree is known by its fruit.  For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil.  For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.  But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?  Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like:  He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.  And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.  But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell.  And the ruin of that house was great."

 

  Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum.  And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.  So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant.  And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue."  Then Jesus went with them.  And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.  Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You.  But say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me.  And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."  When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"  And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.   My study Bible says that this centurion, a Roman Gentile, is unusual in his devotion to the Jews.  It notes for us his remarkable characteristics.  He is compassionate, he loves God and God's people; he has humility; and also possesses great faith, as remarked upon by Jesus.  

Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd.  And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow.  And a large crowd from the city was with her.  When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."  Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still.  And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise."  So he who was dead sat up and began to speak.  And He presented him to his mother.  Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us"; and, "God has visited His people."  And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.  In the Gospels, there are three recorded resurrections performed by Christ (see also Luke 8:41-56; John 11:1-44).  My study Bible says that they confirm the promise given to the prophet Ezekiel that god will one day open the graves and raise all the dead (Ezekiel 37:1-14).  Many people have exercised authority over the living, my study Bible says, but only the Son of God "has power over both the living and the dead" (quoting from the Eastern Orthodox funeral service).  While Christ has power through His word alone (John 11:43), here it's observed that He also touched the coffin to show that His very body is life-giving.  Moreover, according to St. Ambrose of Milan, this event prefigures Christ's own Resurrection. Mary will weep for Jesus at the Cross, but her tears will be turned to joy by the Resurrection.  Here, a widow's only son is raised from the dead, and this puts an end to her weeping.

 

I find myself intrigued by the good qualities of this centurion which my study Bible describes.  It notes that the centurion, a Roman Gentile, is unusual in his devotion to the Jews.  Moreover, the qualities he displays include compassion, and a love for God and God's people.  He is also humble.  And Christ Himself praises the centurion's remarkable faith ("I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" )  Perhaps we might ask ourselves why we hear about this remarkable Roman centurion at this point in St. Luke's Gospel, for it is, indeed, an event to open our eyes when even Jesus points out a faith greater than any He's found in Israel!  One might begin with the events of our recent readings, in which Jesus has chosen His twelve apostles from among His disciples, and given the Sermon on the Plain, which is roughly similar to the Sermon on the Mount although not as extensive.  For in so doing, He has conveyed the gospel message that the apostles are to take out first throughout Israel, but eventually throughout the known world.  So, immediately after giving us all His gospel, Jesus encounters this centurion, who is not only Roman and a Gentile, but even an official of the hated Roman colonial regime which occupies Israel.  If this man's faith surpasses any Jesus has found in Israel, just imagine what that portends for the gospel message which will be sent out to all of the world.  One aspect of this man's faith is -- almost surprising in and of itself -- his understanding of authority and how it works.  Let us note here that Jesus' most persistent accusation and questioning will be over His authority to do the things He does.  He teaches with authority.  When He cleanses the temple in Jerusalem, the first question the religious leaders will bring to Him is the demand to know from where He got the authority to do so, and who gave that authority to Him.  But this man of authority, the centurion (who is a captain or commander over one hundred Roman soldiers) fully invests himself with unquestioned faith in Jesus' authority.  He has no problem giving over his trust entirely, perhaps even instinctively, to Jesus and Jesus' ability to command with authority.  Perhaps we're to understand that a man of authority, rank, and hierarchy in a chain of command like this centurion can recognize the same in Christ.  The centurion serves the emperor, and has a chain of command below and above himself; so he seems to automatically assume Christ has as well.  And this kind of almost instinctive trust is one aspect of faith.  The other qualities that make the centurion a remarkable man are also indispensable for Christian faith and the living of our faith:  he is compassionate, he loves God and God's people, and he is humble.  He has the humility of a man who understands authority and rank, and does not hesitate to put trust in another's authority whom he recognizes.  In the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Mark, Jesus will teach the apostles about the use of power in the Church by citing for negative contrast the example of the Gentiles.  Jesus teaches, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:25-28; see also Mark 10:42-45).  Therefore, the example of this centurion, which is based so primarily upon his understanding and recognition of authority, is that much more remarkable.  For this Gentile Roman is cited as a splendid example of one who uses authority well and properly and in service to what is great faith in the sight of Jesus Christ.  Let us consider today what constitutes authority and its proper use, for here we have a great example as provided for us in the Gospels.  His respect for faith, his love of God, his service to God's people, his proper humility, and especially his recognition of Christ's authority -- all of these things turn for us this representative of the hated Roman occupiers and their military might into a splendid example of a Christian soldier, and one to make even Jesus marvel.   Let us consider what he is so willing to serve, and how he serves. 

 

 

 

God has visited His people

 

 Now when He concluded all his sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum.  And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.  So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant.  And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue."  Then Jesus went with them.  And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.  Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You.  But say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I am also a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me.  And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."  When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"  And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.

Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd.  And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow.  And a large crowd from the city was with her.  When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."  Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still.  And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise."  So he who was dead sat up and began to speak.  And he presented him to his mother.  Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us"; and, "God has visited His people."  And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.

 

- Luke 7:1–17 

 

Yesterday we read that Jesus spoke a parable to His disciples:  "Can the blind lead the blind?  Will they not both fall into the ditch?  A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.  And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye?  Hypocrite!  First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.  For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.  For every tree is known by its own fruit.  For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil.  For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.  But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?  Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like:  He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.  And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.   But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell.  And the ruin of that house was great."

 

 Now when He concluded all his sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum.  And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.  So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant.  And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue."  Then Jesus went with them.  And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.  Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You.  But say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I am also a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me.  And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."  When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"  And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.  My study bible comments on this passage regarding the focus on the centurion.  He is a Roman Gentile, and he's unusual in his devotion to the Jews.  His characteristics are notable, particularly for modern day Christians:  He has compassion (verse 2), love for God and for God's people (verse 5), humility (verse 6), and finally great faith (verses 7-9).  

 

 Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd.  And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow.  And a large crowd from the city was with her.  When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."  Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still.  And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise."  So he who was dead sat up and began to speak.  And he presented him to his mother.  Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us"; and, "God has visited His people."  And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.  My study bible comments that this is one of three resurrections which were performed by our Lord, as recorded in the Gospels (see also 8:41-56; John 11:1-44).  They confirm the promise which was given to the prophet Ezekiel, that God will one day open the graves and raise all the dead (Ezekiel 37:1-14).  My study bible adds that many people have exercised authority over the living; but only the Son of God "has power over both the living and the dead" (Orthodox funeral service).  Note that while Christ has power through His word alone (John 11:43), here He also touched the coffin to show that His very body is life-giving.  This event is also a prefiguration of Christ's Resurrection.  St. Ambrose of Milan comments that as Mary would weep for Jesus at the Cross, yet her tears would be turned to joy by the Resurrection, so here a widow's only son is raised from the dead, which puts an end to her weeping.  

Let us note the role that compassion plays in today's reading.  There is first of all the example of the centurion.  He might not be a Jew, but he shows exemplary character, forming the characteristics of what would later typify a model Christian of the Greco-Roman world.  As my study bible points out, he first of all shows compassion in the love and care of his servant.  But we can also read compassion into the way he treats the Jews of Capernaum, reciprocated in the high regard the elders of the synagogue have for him.  His compassionate character goes hand in hand with his humility before Jesus, and also his understanding of Jesus as a Man of authority and even command.  It shows a kind of sympathy present in such a person who can so clearly see the character of Jesus.  These character traits of compassion and sympathy are closely linked to the great faith which Jesus remarks upon; they go hand in hand with it.  In the story of the widow of Nain who has lost her only son (reported solely in Luke's Gospel), we are told that Jesus is the One who expresses His compassion:  When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."   It's a mirror of Christ's compassion at the death of Lazarus and His response to the weeping of the sisters and townspeople (John 11:32-35).  The compassion that is found both in Christ and also in the centurion is a thread necessary to our faith and to the qualities which faith is to develop in us, and upon which it rests.  We should remember that in Matthew's story of the Judgment, the parable of the sheep and the goats, it is compassion and its expression that makes all the difference.  In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus teaches the parable of the Judgment over which He will preside, and the defining characteristic of those destined to inherit the Kingdom is compassion.  Each case which Christ presents to those "sheep" who wonder how they helped Him is a case of the expression of compassion for others.  What that means is that the whole notion of our capacity for compassion becomes absolutely central to our capacity for faith, and for being the persons Christ asks us to become -- and certainly part of the picture of what it means to become "like Christ" or someone closer to "the image and likeness of God" (Genesis 1:26).   Let us remember that it does not require personal perfection to be a compassionate person, nor does it require great accounts of sacrifice and heroism to perform acts of compassion, kindness, grace:  all the things that would define the great mosaic of love in tiny pieces, small acts, seen or unseen by others, known only to the recipient and giver.  Each of these things have meaning, even when and if they are known only to God.  In today's reading, Jesus heals a servant, and He helps a widow.  The acts we do for the "small" in this world count with God.  Let us remember what we are to be about, even when the world won't shout about it.  This is how we show our faith, and how it might be expressed through us that God has visited His people.

God has visited His people

 Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum.  And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.  So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant.  And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue."  Then Jesus went with them.  And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.  Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You.  But say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me.  And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."  When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"  And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick."

Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd.  And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow.  And a large crowd from the city was with her.  When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."  Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still.  And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise."  So he who was dead sat up and began to speak.  And He presented him to his mother.  Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us"; and, "God has visited His people."  And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.

- Luke 7:1-17

On Tuesday, we read that Jesus chose the twelve disciples who would become apostles, and then began what is known as the Sermon on the Plain (similar in content to the Sermon on the Mount).  Yesterday, we read the conclusion to the Sermon:  He spoke a parable to them:  "Can the blind lead the blind?  Will they not both fall into the ditch?  A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.  And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that it is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye?  Hypocrite!  First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.  For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.  For every tree is known by its own fruit.  For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil.  For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.  But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?  Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like:  He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.  And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.  But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell.  And the ruin of that house was great."

Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum.  And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.  So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant.  And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue."  Then Jesus went with them.  And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.  Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You.  But say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me.  And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."  When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"  And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick."   This centurion is a Roman Gentile, and he is unusual in his devotion to the Jews.  He is a professional soldier of the Roman Empire, a commander over dozens of other soldiers.   In this role, his characteristics are notable:  he has compassion, love for God and God's people, humility, and great faith.  In fact, he sets an example for faith for all of us, and is extraordinarily praised by Christ.

Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd.  And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow.  And a large crowd from the city was with her.  When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."  Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still.  And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise."  So he who was dead sat up and began to speak.  And He presented him to his mother.  Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us"; and, "God has visited His people."  And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.  My study bible points out that this is one of three resurrections that were performed by Christ as recorded in the Gospels (see also 8:41-56; John 11:1-44).  They confirm the promise given to the prophet Ezekiel that God will one day open the graves and raise all the dead (Ezekiel 37:1-14).  There are many, such as the centurion in the previous verses, who have exercised authority over the living, but only the Son of God "has power over both the living and the dead" as the Orthodox funeral service declares.  Christ, who is the Word, has power through His word alone (John 11:43), but here He also touched the coffin to show that His body is life-giving.  This event, of course, prefigures His own Resurrection.  St. Ambrose of Milan writes that Mary would weep for Jesus at the Cross, but her tears were turned to joy at the Resurrection.  So it is with this widow's only son who is raised from the dead, putting an end to her weeping.

Jesus is clearly the author of life, and in Him is eternal life.  But what we are to understand about this life is myriad and multiple.  When Christ the Word intersects with us in our lives, there is no telling what may be opened up and renewed.  In these examples in today's reading, there is first of all the centurion.  A man with military power, he would normally be one who is feared.  But he is a gracious figure, and a righteous one.  He respects the God of the Jews, he's dedicated to the nation with love (as the elders testify to Jesus) and he has built their synagogue.  But the centurion, as a man of military authority, understands authority himself.  And perhaps better than do the Jews, he understands that the word of the Lord is like the word of the Emperor; whatever is done in His name, He is present.   He has so much faith and confidence in Jesus, that he does not demand Jesus go to his home to heal the servant, and this is great faith indeed, such that Jesus hasn't found even in Israel.  Jesus' very life, working through the faith of the centurion, opens up for us what faith and our life may truly be about, in ways unique to this man and his position.  The story of the widow of Nain is found only in Luke's Gospel.  It displays some of the tenderness in Luke we find toward various women, and as my study bible points out, it opens up a reflection on Mary and the experience she will go through.  But it displays the great compassion of Christ, who cares that she is weeping.   His words, "Do not weep," are the comfort His love brings.   It teaches us that the life that is in the Creator is also love, and that this is the great characteristic of the energies of God, God's work in the world.  He restores to her her life, the very thing most precious to her.   In the Epistle of James, we read, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).  In this story of the widow of Nain, Jesus, as He taught in yesterday's reading, shows Himself - as Teacher - as the example to which all of His disciples must aspire, in His care for widows and orphans.  It is the Mother of Christ who has declared that God "has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly" (see Luke 1:46-55).  It is through compassion and love that the very life and power of God works in the world.  This is what His ministry brings to us, the truths of the Kingdom, and it is how we understand that which we aspire to be a part of, and in which we can participate.  As we see in the stories, each detail of every life brings out the possibilities of the life in abundance that Christ is here to bring:  the centurion in his particular place and time and circumstance, and the widow of Nain in hers.  What do we ask of Him, and how do we participate in His life and discipleship?  In Revelation 21:5, the Lord literally says in the Greek, "Behold, I am always making all things new."   The Evangelist is told, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."  And so they are.  We don't know how that will work for us in our lives, but it is God's work that is always unfolding and showing us what is new, and what it means for life to be renewed.

I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!

 Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum.  And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.  So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant.  And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue."  Then Jesus went with them.  And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.  Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You.  But say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me.  And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."  When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"  And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.

Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd.  And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow.  And a large crowd from the city was with her.  When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."  Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still.  And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise."  So he who was dead sat up and began to speak.  And He presented him to his mother.  Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us"; and "God has visited His people." 

- Luke 7:1-17

In recent readings, Jesus has been preaching what is known as the Sermon on the Plain.  For the earlier parts of the sermon, see readings of Friday and Saturday.  Yesterday, we read the conclusion of the sermon, which began with a parable: "Can the blind lead the blind?  Will they not both fall into the ditch?  A disciple is not  above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.  And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye?  Hypocrite!  First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.  For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.  For every tree is known by its own fruit.  For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil.  For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.  But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?  Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like:  He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.  And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against the house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.  But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell.  And the ruin of that house was great."

 Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum.  And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.  So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant.  And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue."  Then Jesus went with them.  And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.  Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You.  But say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me.  And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."  When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"  And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.  My study bible says that this centurion, a Roman Gentile, is unusual in his devotion to the Jews.  So much so, that the community speaks for him as he has 'done' for the community in "loving our nation" and building a synagogue for the people.  Beyond these recommendations by the elders of the community aren't the only factors that commend this centurion, a commander of a squad of 100 soldiers.  We see his compassion in his care for his servant, his love for God and God's people, and also his remarkable humility expressed to Jesus.  In addition to all these is his extraordinary "great faith," so remarked upon by Jesus.  It's important to note that this man's faith is complimented and augmented by his own experience and understanding of authority. 

Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd.  And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow.  And a large crowd from the city was with her.  When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."  Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still.  And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise."  So he who was dead sat up and began to speak.  And He presented him to his mother.  Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us"; and "God has visited His people."  There are three resurrections performed by Christ as reported in the Gospels.  This one, that of Jairus' daughter (also reported by Luke, in 8:41-56), and the resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:1-44).  My study bible says they confirm the promise given to the prophet Ezekiel that God will one day open the graves and raise all the dead (Ezekiel 37:1-14).  There are many, it says, who've exercised authority over the living.  But only the Son of God "has power over both the living and the dead" (from the Orthodox funeral service).  Christ expresses power even through His word alone (John 11:43).  Here He also touched the coffin to show that His very body is life-giving, something we've also seen in those who seek to touch Him and the seeming connection it makes to release power in Luke's Gospel (see 6:19, 8:46).  St. Ambrose of Milan comments that this is a prefiguring of Christ's own Resurrection.  As Mary would weep for Jesus at the Cross, yet her tears also would be turned to joy by the Resurrection.  A widow's only son in this story is raised from the dead, putting an end to her weeping.

Compassion features strongly in today's stories from the Gospel reading.  Luke's Gospel is the gospel of the Divine Physician; it shouldn't surprise us that compassion plays such a strong role in the stories about Christ.  But here we have two stories that are rather special and highly touching.  The centurion is a splendid figure of good leadership.  He's not just a man in authority, but also a commander of soldiers of an occupying force which is generally hated by the Jews.  But this man is beloved.  He cares for the people as a kind of adoptive "father," building a synagogue and showing love for the nation.   The elders gladly come to Christ to recommend the centurion to Him.  Most clearly and strikingly, the centurion shows great humility before Christ; his authority is not vested in sheer military power.  But what is really striking is that it is his authority and familiarity with its use that gives him the greatest expression of faith in Christ.  And that teaches us something very important:  although the Gospels seemingly contrast power, might, and wealth with life in the Kingdom (see, for example, this reading of "woes"  from the Sermon on the Plain), in this man faith transfigures all of those things and in fact gives him greater depth than would be possible otherwise.  Jesus says, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"  Here, it is not the people who marvel at Christ (as is frequently found in the Gospels).  Rather, it is Christ who marvels.  This is a striking example of what faith does in our lives.   It transfigures.  It takes whatever we have, whoever we are, whatever we've experienced, and turns all toward service in a life of faith.  There is no condemnation here for this man's role as centurion or member of an occupying force.  There is only praise for him, a splendid and great example of faith.  In the story of the widow's son, Jesus' compassion is also on display.  His is a kind of compassionate authority which we can see mirrored in the centurion.  The widow has her son returned to her, just as a beloved servant is returned to the centurion.  We can consider that her son is the most priceless, precious thing in her life.  Jesus' compassion, as we see elsewhere (for example, His response to Mary's weeping at the raising of Lazarus), is sparked when He sees the widow weep.    So we see a consistent sense of compassion in our Lord, and compassion also as prized in those with great faith as well as authority, like the centurion.  It gives us a sense of power in which the fullness of a human being with real authority is in that truth of compassion, a willingness to serve what is best for community, and the humility that goes along with that.  Perhaps more deeply and truly, the whole story of Christ as God Incarnate is to give us the message that God is not a detached, remote being, nor a harshly punishing one, but that God knows our suffering and cares for our suffering.  On the Cross He will truly and deeply share in that suffering.  There can be no doubt of these things.  It is the one thing we can surely take with us from the stories of the Gospels.  What we have left to ask then is the question of why, in light of this mission and ministry in the world, there is suffering in the world.  It seems we, too, are asked to participate in this mission and share in it with Him.  Christ's ministry, and His taking on our suffering on the Cross, both seem to suggest He is here to take away our pain and suffering, to heal.  But more deeply, the Cross also transfigures our suffering.  When we meet life as He did, suffering takes on meaning and mission:  are we going to serve God in doing so, or take on the abuse and affliction of the world as our way, the limitation of what we believe in?  Christ's compassion teaches us about the true persona of God, and He invites us to be like the centurion, an example of faith.  If we participate and share in Christ's mission, whatever it is we know of the world or have experienced of it can be transfigured by faith, put to purpose, used with compassion, with a common mission of helping to bring God's love into the world, being the light that reflects God's light, as Christ asks of us (Matthew 5:16).   In Luke's Gospel, Jesus will use this saying about our own light as that which may illumine both how we see and therefore how we live in the world (Luke 11:33-36).  The real question of suffering in the world is one that asks us for our compassion, and so much more.  It asks us to choose for Him, to participate in His mission with all that we are and have, to place our faith in that cause and His commands, His way, as does the centurion.  And that is a great purpose indeed.  Its gift to us is Resurrection, not only in its absolute sense, but in every moment of transcendence He brings to our suffering.