Scripture can be found here...

The story of Jesus healing the Centurion's servant is such a striking moment in the gospel of Matthew. The central statement of Jesus seems to be: Yours is the deepest faith I've found in all Israel (I'm paraphrasing).

He's speaking to a Roman, not a son of the covenant.

He's speaking to a soldier, someone who is a part of the machinery of oppression.

He's speaking to someone who has come to him, a Jewish rabbi and healer, pleading for the life of... a slave. Or maybe a dear companion. The Greek word is somewhat elusive-- is it the centurion's lover? Some have thought so.

This evening's meditation is sung. It imagines each of us as the centurion-- begging for a parent, a lover, a child, even all of society, to be healed. Heal us, Lord!

1. Remember when we walked, my little hand in yours?

Remember when you told me the names of all the stars?

Every star…

Heal him Lord, heal him Lord, heal him Lord, Lord, Lord….

2. Remember that first time when you gazed into my eyes?

Remember how we understood our hearts had intertwined,

Intertwined…

Heal her Lord, heal her Lord, heal her Lord, Lord, Lord…

3. Remember when I held you, so tiny in my arms?

Your baby’s breath so warm and sweet, I kept you safe from harm,

Safe from harm…

Heal him Lord, heal him Lord, heal him Lord, Lord, Lord…

(Bridge)

My life has been drawn in circles clear and strong

My days have required that nothing would go wrong

And now… I’m powerless

And now… I know

life’s ebb and flow …

4. We once marched together, every color side by side

We once knew we would overcome the hatred that divides

It divides

Heal us Lord, heal us Lord, heal us Lord, Lord, Lord…

C. Patricia Raube, 2015