"Just Say the Word..."
06/25/2017
“Just Say the Word…”
Fr. Al Demos, July 2, 2017
My life has been blessed in that while on my life-long pursuit for truth, my faith experiences have been richly enhanced by being raised in the Baptist Faith, baptized in the Roman Catholic Faith and confirmed in the Greek Orthodox Faith. These faith experiences have given me insights and experiential understanding that have been profoundly meaningful to my life as a priest, while enabling me to comprehend, respect and appreciate people of all faiths.
One of my favorite pastimes is to chant…Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant hymns, as well as some secular music. As a small child, I learned to sing the hymn, “Onward Christian Soldiers” as it appears below. This hymn was written by Sabine Baring-Gould, in 1865. I wonder if she knew that St. Constantine had become the First Christian Emperor by leading his men into battle with the Cross of Jesus on their shields.
I love this hymn because it expresses the basic ancient Christian belief that we are at war with the devil and all evil forces; and that our strength and reinforcement is found in the Cross of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
In today’s Gospel, the Centurion, a powerful man of authority in the Roman Army, turns to Christ and asks for Jesus to heal his servant who is ill. When Jesus turns to go to his home, he states, “Lord, I am not worthy that you enter under my roof, but only say the word and my servant shall be healed.” (MT 8:8)
Jesus marveled at the profound faith of the centurion. Just imagine, such a powerful man of such great authority, coming so humbly before Jesus, entreating Him for a great favor. What an example for us!
Here we see that we should be bold ‘soldiers’ for Christ; that we should face evil and temptation with the strength and assurance of the power of the Cross; that we should be truly humble servants of our Lord; and that we should have a profound Faith that God can do anything that we request of Him...if we only believe... and if God sees so fit to respond...“in His good time”!
You, precious child of God, are a ‘soldier’ of Christ. Follow His lead wherever it may take you! Go forward and onward as a true Christian Soldier!
“Onward Christian Soldiers”
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.
Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never ’gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.
Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.