Only Say the Word
I drew a picture of my father once, a three-quarter profile, and it looked remarkably like Ernest Borgnine. I might have been disappointed had my father not resembled Ernie to begin with, though more handsome. About the same age, both were second gen Italians, former boxers, and served in the U.S. Navy. The real navy, not just on the PT 73.
I watched McHale’s navy as a kid. Whenever I must admit to watching something lame during that era, which McHale’s navy was not, my husband is kind enough to remind we only had three channels. That explains my knowledge of Flipper.
Ernie’s always held a special place in my heart, as much as any celebrity can. In Franco Zeffirelli’s production of Jesus of Nazareth, Ernie played one of my personal bible heroes. The Roman Centurion.
Our pastor talked about him this week, the centurion, not Ernie. Catholics feel his echo through the ages. One of the rituals in a Catholic mass, after communion, is to say, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed.” It’s not a direct quote from the bible, as the Centurion wanted healing for his servant, but an echo all the same.
Growing up, I loved that part of the mass. It rather said it all, in my opinion. The Roman Centurion was an educated, well-connected, battle hardened soldier.
In the bible, he told Jesus, “I am not worthy that you should come to my house. But only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” For someone in the position of a Roman Centurion to humble himself publically before Jesus, bespoke a spiritual understanding of Jesus’ true nature. It also revealed a tenderness for another human being.
Christ declared, “I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”
The Pharisees undoubtedly made another note in His file.
And I can’t imagine a Roman Centurion without picturing Ernest Borgnine in costume. Inspired casting. But the simple testament he made, as the dreaded enemy of Israel, is still with me.
Years later, when I needed to reconnect with my God, I stated something similar in my heart. All is right between me and my God.
I said it. I believed it. I knew that He would make it so.