Loading...She came forward to kneel at the rail. When I asked her what particular concerns she wanted prayers of healing for, she whispered, “depression.” I offered a prayer, laid hands on her head, anointed her forehead with oil, and she went back to her seat.
And, I forgot. In the fullness of the day and week, I forgot. I didn’t check in with her later in the week. It finally took her own frustration expressed to another congregation member (who then told me) for me to remember, with great chagrin, her fervently whispered prayer request and concern.
Don’t you know that I scooted over to her house lickety-split with a deep apology to spend time with her and offer pastoral care. Plus, the memory of this mistake of forgetting helps me listen better and remember better now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Roman centurion in today’s Gospel story (Luke 7:1-10) was a military commander of the Roman army who was used to having his orders followed. He’d heard about Jesus and the healing that he gave to those in need. After all, as Luke records the stories, Jesus had been in Capernaum before, teaching and healing. Through some emissaries (Jewish leaders in the town), the centurion asked Jesus to come and give healing to his servant.
There are so many curiosities in this story (e.g., the centurion built the synagogue? why? and why was he taking so much interest in the health of his servant?), but one thing – well, two – shines through the whole story:
Jesus listens, and
Jesus heals.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The healing that Jesus offered here and elsewhere in the sacred story is shalom:
wholeness, reconciliation, peace, health, reconnecting.
Jesus healed the slave who was sick.
He also listened and paid attention to a foreigner (here, it was the military man who was part of the oppressive foreign army and government; but in other stories, Jesus also listened to and paid attention to other foreigners).
Jesus brings reconciliation to communities.
Jesus helps people reconnect with their communities (people who had been sick and had been cut off from all good society who, with their healing from Jesus, were able to reconnect with family and friends and reintegrate into society).
Jesus gave and gives wholeness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today, in the midst of our worship, you’ll be invited to offer prayers for healing and, as you wish, to come forward to kneel at the stations, have hands laid on your head, and be anointed with oil. Music will be sung. You may pray at your seats or at the kneeler.
You may pray for healing for yourself or for another: the healing of body, mind, or spirit.
You may pray for reconciliation or forgiveness; maybe for the mending of a broken relationship.
You may pray for healing in a community – a neighborhood or the city.
You may pray for healing and peace in our nation or in the world, or specific parts of the world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your prayers will be lifted up.
Jesus, in great compassion, will hear them, and remember them and you.
Jesus will give you shalom – maybe not immediately or later in the day, or even this week or month. But Jesus will fill you with the healing hope and grace that is promised (and delivered) to you today and every day.
Amen
