By Claire Hines, Year 11
Antonius strode into the atrium of his house, his studded sandals ringing on the tiled floor encrusted with mosaics of sea creatures of blue ceramics that rode the marble waves at his feet. He hastily unbuckled his sword belt which he flung on a couch in the entrance, together with his dusty cloak and his helmet, before rushing upstairs. He was met by his wife Rebecca, who smiled sympathetically at him.
“He’s alright Antonius, never fear.”
“Has he woken up yet?”
She shook her head, and watched him approach Beric’s room sadly. She loved her husband dearly, and it grieved her to see him in such a state. But she knew how much his servant meant to him.
Beric had been born into Antonius’ household when the latter was only five summers old. They had grown up together, Antonius always watching over him and treating him as his younger brother, and Beric looking up to him and following his lead implicitly.
When Antonius’ father had died only a few years ago, and the former inherited all his possessions including the house in which they stood, and all the slaves. He had immediately given Beric his manumission or freedom, but the former hadn’t wanted to leave. It was unthinkable for him to desert his friend, so great was the bond between them. Besides, what we he do? He had nowhere to go, and no future in his own faraway land which he had never even seen, so better to stay here in Capernaum.
Antonius gently opened the door and looked inside. The rays of the setting sun danced on the whitewashed walls, lighting up the room. He took in the couch on which lay his companion and the simple furnishings in a glance, and directed his attention to the woman who knelt above the patient silently.
She looked up sheepishly at the sound of his footsteps. He smiled kindly, and said:
“You should be resting Hadassah.”
She sighed and replied: “I hate to see my husband like this. I fear he won’t ever open his eyes again, and that he will never see…”
Tears filled her eyes as he helped her gently to her feet. She rested her hand softly about her stomach in which nestled their first child nervously. Antonius reassured her as best he could, and helped her to her room. He then returned to Beric’s bedside, and took his hand.
“Don’t do this to me Beric.”
He whispered fiercely. Suddenly he felt a small hand on his, and looked down to see his own son Julius returning his gaze anxiously.
“Will he be alright?”
Antonius forced a reluctant smile on his face. He knew what he had to do.
“Yes, he will.”
Less than an hour later he was pacing up in down in his best uniform, in front of Capernaum’s synagogue. A group of Jewish elders were hastily making their way towards him. The centurion was held in high esteem by them, he had after all given large gifts of money towards the construction of this very building.
Their leader, Benjamin inclined his head respectfully upon his approach and his companions followed suite.
“Greetings commander. We are at your service.”
“All hail illustrious servants of the One True God. I have come to request your help on a matter of great importance to me.”
They listened expectantly and he continued:
“The Briton Beric who lives within my house is dying, the physician says there is no hope for him. But I have heard of a Rabbi by the name of Jesus of Nazareth who is reputed to have power over demons and all disease. Rumour is that He is on His way here to Capernaum. I implore you to go to Him and intercede on my behalf that He might make my friend well again.”
“If it is your will sire, we shall. But do you really think He can cure him? There is no certain outcome to this endeavour.”
Antonius replied: “He will. I have heard Him speak, and I can testify that He is all He says He is and more. I thank you my Lords.”
They blessed him, and he went home relieved. But would an Israelite save a Roman invader? A Jew a heathen?
___________________________________
A crowd had gathered at the entrance to the city, all pushing forward to get a better view of the man whom they had heard so much about. He came, accompanied by his twelve companions, and greeted them all with a smile before walking up the street with calm confidence, the mesmerized crowd at his heels.
Men who had left their work in the fields or stalls followed, women who had abandoned their stoves came with children trailing at their sides, several brought sick for Him to heal whilst others came simply to see and hear for themselves the prophet from Galilee who was rumoured to be the Son of God.
As they approached the centre of the town, a group of leaders from the synagogue came out to meet Him. The people watched on incredulously as they greeted Jesus respectfully and told them of the centurion’s servant:
“The commander is a good man sir. For he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.”
Their surprise turned into astonishment when they heard Him agree. Several grumbled, why should He help a Roman? Were they not the people who had conquered them and now occupied their land? But the rest simply smiled knowingly, this was Jesus’ way.
The leaders led them to the centurion’s house where they were greeted by two of his decurion’s.
One of them Marcus, saluted Jesus and announced:
“Sire, I bear word from my commander Antonius to you. He sends you his greetings and says: Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
The teacher opened his eyes wide in astonishment, turned to the disciple John at His side, and declared: “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”
___________________________________
Antonius watched all this from behind one of the atrium pillars, his heart beating fiercely and his fists clenched. He watched his men start back towards him, and saw Jesus begin walking away. On a sudden urge, he stepped into view. He saw the teacher turn and look at him. His gaze filled him with a strange current of peace that washed away the fire of his fears. A faint smile danced on the rabbi’s lips, and Antonius knew that Beric would not die. He also knew, somehow, that he would never see this man again.
Marcus reached him out of breath with Lucius at his heels.
“Did He do it?” Demanded the latter.
Before he could answer, Antonius heard a familiar voice calling his name. He turned around slowly to see his friend at the end of the atrium, leaning uncertainly against the wall. His dark hair was tousled, and his skin was pale, but he was there.
Antonius let out a cry as he ran across the floor to join him and gripped Beric’s shoulders in extasy. He clasped him against him affectionately, and tears came to his eyes.
For their may be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Biblical sources: Luke 7 v 1-10
Psalm 30 v 5
