I am always fascinated by the cast of characters that are involved in the arrest of Jesus, his trial, his crucifixion and his rising from the dead. Most are ordinary folk although some wield influence and power. I would single one out one who has always intrigued me and that is the centurion who exclaimed, when Jesus dies, “Surely he was the Son of God!” Here was an experienced soldier, a commander of men, who began this routine Friday knowing that he’d seen and heard it all before. Another three crucifixions. He knew the drill, he knew the procedure – everything done by the book, all loose ends tidied away by the end of the day. Just another day at the office. Or so he thought. Then from the lips of this veteran soldier, this most unexpected acknowledgement.
What had brought him to this point of recognition and response? Here was a member of the occupying power declaring that a defeated and convicted Jewish man had divinity, was, indeed, the Son of God. Had he watched and heard Jesus teach, was it Jesus’s words from the cross, speaking of love and forgiveness, or perhaps a certain look towards the soldier; that sparked this revelation? We’ll never know, but this man’s heart was touched and turned in the most unusual circumstances. And this is often the way with Jesus’ words and actions, still, today – they can touch us and turn our lives. Or perhaps it is the words and actions of his followers, then and now, that can catch us by surprise and turn our lives to different thoughts, beliefs, and practices – something that matches God’s pattern for us. Take a moment to ponder the events of the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection. Allow them to speak to your life and reshape it. Like the centurion, we’ll never fully understand it all but like that Roman soldier let Jesus’ words and actions touch your life.
Easter Greetings.
The Reverend Andrew Burtt,
Parish Priest, Anglican Church of Paphos
(Website: www.paphosanglicanchurch.org)
