Only Speak the Word

After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy of having you do this for him, for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.” And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.” When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health. Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, rise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us!” and “God has looked favorably on his people!” This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country. Luke 7:1-17

Some people love to hear themselves speak, so much so that they leave no room for others. We often talk too much and babble on when we are nervous or afraid. Yet, the transformations and healing often come when we quiet down and listen, noticing what God is doing in our midst, and trusting our Creator to see us and help us. When my children were small they would repeat Momma and Dadda to get our attention. Yet they always had our attention and when they were in any distress, we were there. If imperfect parents can do this for their young, how much more so is God willing to hear us.

Gracious Creator, our hearts and our home

help us to live simply in your embrace

by walking the good road you have set for us

and by being faithful and truthful in everything.

A soldier and a mother cried out to you

you restored to them their beloved family

and you hear our cries and our worried babble

responding with your powerful, transforming love.

Help us to have a simple and honest faith

let our words and actions always be truthful

may our lives reflect your care and compassion

as we serve the world filled with your joy. Amen.