Do not weep

 

 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 

 

Yesterday we read the final reading in the Sermon on the Mount.  Jesus told 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 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 comments that this centurion, who is a Roman Gentile, is unusual in his devotion to the Jews.  It's important to note his characteristics:  he has compassion, a love for God and God's people, humility, and also great faith. 

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.   This is one of three resurrections performed by Jesus that are recorded in the Gospels.  See also Luke 8:41-56; John 11:1-44.  My study Bible suggests 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).   It notes that there are may who have exercised authority over the living.  But only the Son of God "has power over both the living and the dead" (quoting from the Orthodox funeral service).  While Christ has power even through His word alone (John 11:43), here He also touched the coffin, which shows that His very body is life-giving.  Moreover, this event prefigures His own Resurrection.  My study Bible notes the commentary of St. Ambrose of Milan, who writes that as Mary would weep for Jesus at the Cross, yet her tears would be turned to joy by the Resurrection, here a widow's only son is raised form the dead, which puts an end to her weeping.  

In the two stories coupled in today's reading, Jesus restores to two people a person who is dear to them, a beloved one.  In the case of the first story, that of the centurion, what we're told is that this is a man of authority who clearly recognizes the authority in Jesus.  The centurion's servant, we're told, was dear to him.  The word translated as dear has as its root a word that means "honor."  That is, the servant is highly honored, valued, precious to the centurion.  In modern Greek usage, it has come to mean trustworthy, another important aspect of what it is to be a valued and precious servant.  The centurion clearly does not want to lose him.   Let's note that the centurion himself is also valued in the community, and considered honorable and trustworthy by the people, who praise that he is "deserving, for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue."  In turn, he trusts in Christ, clearly having faith in the authority apparent to him in Christ.  Jesus says, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"  We remember that the word for faith has at its root the word for "trust."  These are important things to observe and understand about the centurion, and a key to how Christ views our own faith.  How do we view Christ's authority?  Do we trust in it?  The second story is about the woman called the widow of Nain.  This story appears only in Luke's Gospel.  In this case, the person at the center of the story is as far away from the centurion in terms of social status and power as one could get.  She is a widow, and not only is she a widow, but she has lost her only son, the sole source of her support in the world.  The crowd is with her, presumably mourning, and Christ is -- as He is many times in the Gospels -- moved with compassion for her.  He tells her, "Do not weep."   These actions are also found in echoes in the story of the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44); Jesus is moved by this weeping woman, He has compassion for her, and seeks to comfort and take away her weeping.  Notice the tender movement in this healing, almost understanding:  rather than healing from a distance or merely with a word, Jesus first came and touched the open coffin,  and only then did He give a command, "Young man, I say to you, arise."  And the sound of Christ's voice and command is truly a scene that reminds us of the ultimate, universal resurrection, when this young man sits up and begins to speak.  So we have both the universally astonishing -- and yet the tender also -- in this resurrection story, for of course, the widow has back her precious son, a deeply intimate joy.   Each one rewarded in the particular way he and she are found by Christ.  In Psalm 18, we read:  "With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; with a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless; With the pure You will show Yourself pure; and with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd. For You will save the humble people, but will bring down haughty looks."   With the authoritative, He is authority; with the tender, he is merciful; but in each case restoring life and giving what is precious back to one who loves and who mourns.  "Do not weep," Jesus says to the widow of Nain.  In so doing, He gives us all cause for joy, and the recognition of His authority of life over death.

When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep"

 

 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 

 

In our recent readings, Jesus has been preaching what is called the Sermon on the Plain (as Luke tells us that He "stood on a level place").  Yesterday, we read the final teachings in this 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 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 comments that this centurion, who is a Roman Gentile, is unusual in his devotion to the Jews.  It takes note of his greatly worthy characteristics.  He is compassionate (his servant was dear to him), and has love for God and God's people (he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue).  He is humble in his deference to Christ (Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof).  Finally, he shows great faith in his confidence in Christ and Christ's authority and power (Jesus says, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!").

 

 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 tells us that this is one of three resurrections performed by Christ which are recorded in the Gospels (see also Luke 8:41-55; John 11:1-44).  It notes that these resurrection stories 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; 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 He also touched the coffin to show that His very body is lifegiving.  According to St. Ambrose of Milan, this even also prefigures Christ's own Resurrection.  As Mary would weep for Jesus at the Cross, yet her tears would be turned to joy by the Resurrection; here a widow's only son is raised from the dead, putting an end to her weeping.  

 

 It's interesting to note the differences in the two stories given in today's reading.  The first is that of the centurion and his servant.  This centurion is wise in the ways of the institutions of the world and their protocols.  He's a commander of men within a distinct hierarchy in the supreme military of the time, one that revolutionized the notion of order.  He is also very humble, respectful of the Jews and their faith, and also of Jesus Christ.  Let us note that the text tells us that his servant is dear to him.  Not only is he respectful of the Jews and of Jesus, he also has compassion in his relation to his servant.  This is not a man for whom those under his command or in his household are interchangeable underlings.  In short, his respect and compassion show us his regard for community, his righteousness.  But it is noteworthy that in the case of that healing, he sends emissaries, the elders of the synagogue, to plead his case to Jesus.  He is both prudent and respectful.  And if we look closely, to send the elders of the Jews to Jesus is to ask others, in this sense, to intercede in prayer for him.  This intercession by others who've been asked to do so is simply magnified by the great trust, respect, and honor that the centurion shows to Jesus subsequently.  So much so, that Jesus proclaims to all, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"  But in the story of the widow of Nain, an entirely different process happens.   In that case, Jesus comes upon the funeral of the only son of a widow, and when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her.  It's not the only time in the Gospels when Jesus is moved with compassion by the sight of women weeping over their departed.  In John 11:32-36, we may see Jesus' response to the sight of Mary (the sister of Lazarus) weeping, and all the mourners with her.  In this case, Mary is no stranger, and, as is noted in the text, Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters.  But there is another similarity here, in that the sisters have lost their only brother -- who is presumably the male head of the household; and the widow of Nain has lost her only son.  In terms of worldly authority and power, she is among the least of the world -- and so quite the opposite of the centurion.  I think that we have to appreciate the economics of the time, for even today in the most developed of countries, despite social and economic changes, the presence of a loving male protector and provider in a household still makes a great difference to all concerned.  In this case, we can presume that she was dependent upon this only son for many things, including a place of honor in the household.  In John's Gospel, we should be sensitive to the fact that, at the Crucifixion, Jesus left His mother in care to His "beloved disciple," John, whereupon John immediately took her to his own home (John 19:25-27).   So these two healings, paired together, tell us something essential.  Regardless of how we come to Christ, whether we are outsiders or insiders, whether we are people of authority or those without any power at all, whether others are praying for us or we feel alone and abandoned, God sees us.  God hears, and God responds.  It is most essential to observe how Christ is the God who sees, because He both notices and praises the centurion for his faith, and has compassion when He sees the weeping widow of Nain.  What this teaches is that regardless of how we come to Christ, or where we are in terms of faith, whether we are great or small, or even when we think God is absent -- God is always watching.  Christ is the Lord who sees, the one whose compassion means He knows our hearts and also our sorrows.  In the text the word translated as compassion comes from the Greek word for spleen, but means a depth of feeling in the core of the body, in one's "gut," so to speak.   When Jesus is moved with compassion He is deeply affected, even physically so, and not simply a detached observer.  He is a God who feels what we feel.  Indeed, in the compassion of the saints and of our Lord we might consider that there are times when we are numb, but the One who knows our hearts feels for us what we cannot feel.  Let us remember the Lord who is with us always.

 

 

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.

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!"

 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 to 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

Beginning with Tuesday's reading, we have been reading through Jesus' Sermon on the Plain (so-called as the Gospel says He was standing "on a level place."  In yesterday's reading and continuation of the Sermon, Jesus 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 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 to 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 comments here that this centurion, who is a Roman Gentile, is quite unusual in his devotion to the Jews.  Note that the Jewish elders begged Christ earnestly on his behalf.   It's also noteworthy that Jesus has just finished preaching the Sermon on the Plain to huge crowds from all over Israel and even areas of the coast considered to be Gentile regions; here it is a Gentile who comes to Christ in Capernaum.  In the Gospel, this takes place just after He has named the twelve apostles, who will be sent out to all the world.  My study bible calls this centurion's characteristics notable:  compassion, love for God and God's people, humility, and great faith. 

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.  There are three resurrections performed by Jesus recorded in the Gospels (see also 8:41-56; John 11:1-44).  My study bible calls them a confirmation of the promise that was given to the prophet Ezekiel, that one day God will open the graves and raise all the dead (Ezekiel 37:1-14).  Many people have exercised authority over the living, my study bible points out, but only the Son of God "has power over both the living and the dead" (Orthodox funeral service).  While Christ has power through His word alone (John 11:43), in this case He also touched the coffin, showing that His very body is life-giving.  It's a kind of affirmation that matter is meant to be united with Spirit, a hint about the full significance of the Incarnation itself, affirmed in resurrection.  My study bible notes the commentary of St. Ambrose of Milan on this passage:   that this even also prefigures Christ's own Resurrection. Mary will weep for Jesus at the Cross, but her tears will be turned to joy by the Resurrection.  So it is the same for the widow whose only son is raised from the dead, putting an end to her weeping. 

Jesus' ministry simply continues to expand, prefigured in the naming of His twelve disciples as apostles who will be sent out.  First there is the Roman centurion who seeks help for a highly esteemed servant.  There is something fascinating about the centurion's understanding about rank and hierarchy.  It is not just a simplistic and rigid sense of worldly authority or power.  Rather, the centurion's understanding of hierarchy also encompasses the true value of a person.  Although the one he seeks to save is a servant to him, he is yet highly esteemed; the word in the Greek gives the sense of one prized for interior virtue.  And although the centurion is an authority among the occupying Romans, commanding many military men under him, he's highly deferential to the Jews, not only holding their culture and spiritual heritage in high regard, but diplomatic enough that he goes to the elders of the community and asks them to approach Jesus for him.  This is a man who is not simply a soldier, but the epitome of what it is to grow into the fullness of humanity within his own position in the world.  He is the opposite of a harsh colonialist; he has built the community a synagogue.  Moreover, he is highly deferential to Christ, whom he calls "Lord," and tells that he is not worthy that Christ comes comes under his roof, a display of what no doubt was unusual humility.  This humility is the perfect foundation for the great faith that he has in Christ, as he is a man under authority who understands authority and recognizes immediately and with full confidence the power and authority carried by Jesus.   He is a remarkable example of someone who recognizes true virtue and the authority and rank which the true, the good, and the beautiful command.  He has eyes to see what so many others do not; every action is one that confers the wisdom of proper respect, a sense of true value.  Then this story is coupled with the unique story of the widow of Nain, which is found only in Luke's Gospel.  We begin to get a sense of the real foundations of what might be considered civilized standards of behavior:  Jesus' respect and compassion for the widow is akin to the centurion's understanding of true value and authority.  It is Christ who, above all, teaches us about the use of power, and grace which sets good values apart from what constitutes barbaric, ignorant, and evil abuses of power and authority.    In this example of resurrection, as well as the one in which He raises Lazarus, Christ displays His compassion for the weeping widow whose only son has died, and then presents her son -- as in the giving of a gift -- to his mother.  What we have here in Luke's Gospel, then, is the beginning of an understanding of what it is to be gracious, the foundation of what will go on to develop as notions of good behavior, good manners, true courtesy, the structure of society.  No longer is it tolerable -- in the view of the Gospels and in light of Christ -- for harsh abuses of power to constitute how authority should be carried out.  Already, of course, the Jews understood abusive power, the scandal of power as exercised by abusive or sacrilegious foreign rule, and certainly the story of the beheading of John the Baptist is an illustration of the depravity of the house of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee at this time (Matthew 14:1-12).  But let us take a look at these stories in today's reading and their presentation in the Gospel.  The true honor shown to what is virtuous and good by the centurion is an illustration of how good character shapes perfect faith, how both humility and wisdom go hand in hand with Christian faith.  Christ's compassion on the widow, and His gracious gift and exercise of unheard-of power in service to compassion teaches us a high regard for the powerless; He restores to her the one treasure she has in life, her only son.  Certainly her own quality of life and standing in the community to a large extent depended upon the child.  All of this is to say simply that the Gospels point us not just to good behavior but true good values, what will go on to cement in place a foundation for that which is considered to be civilized, humane, virtuous.  Abuses of power are never "okay" in the Gospels; they should not be tolerated by those of us who seek to call ourselves Christian faithful and disciples of Christ.  Let us look to the examples we're given and think hard about our own lives and values.  We have a clear moral order given to us, a hierarchy and rank based on the virtuous, the true, and the good.  May we all uphold these things in every aspect of our own lives, and imitate what we see in Him and those who serve Him, no matter where they are found in the Gospels.  As the Roman centurion is in a position that can be highly abused, so we learn that no matter where we are in life, we also have this choice to be virtuous like he is.