Matthew 27:54

Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”

This is perhaps the most extraordinary moment in the Passion narrative. Consider: the Roman soldiers – paid killers responsible for enforcing Roman rule wherever they might be sent – have just executed Jesus and, at the moment of his dying, suddenly confess him as God’s own Son.

Why this change of heart, perspective, and life? We cannot know. Perhaps it was witnessing the humility of his dying. Perhaps it was watching the extremes to which Jesus would go in order to confess God’s coming kingdom. Perhaps it was that in this moment of absolute dejection and desolation they perceive the God who is “with us” in every trial. Perhaps….

We do not know.

What we do know is that Jesus’ death made an impression, caused an effect, and changed lives even where one would least expect it.

And it still does.

Though sometimes we forget it, the word of the Gospel regularly mends relationships, draws people from addiction, turns around lives, and creates hope. We cannot control it or predict it, but we can count on being surprised by just where God’s light shines to change hearts and lives. Even at the executioner’s ground, as hardened warriors see in their deadly craft the revelation of God’s unexpected and unmerited mercy and grace.

Prayer: Dear God, open our eyes to see your grace at work, even and especially where we least expect it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.