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blogging101, Creative Writing, Ernest Borgnine, Faith and Writing, Family, Jesus of Nazareth, Journaling, Lent 2016, Memories & Reflections, Music Clips, Quotes, Robert Powell, Writing 101, Writing Prompts
Lent Photo-A-Day (February 10 – March 27, 2016)
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Day 45 — Cross
I tried and tried to find a specific picture for this post. When I think of the Cross I always picture the scene from the movie Jesus of Nazareth (with Robert Powell) where Ernest Borgnine is a Roman Centurion standing, looking up at Jesus and saying: “Surely this was the Son of God.” Couldn’t find it on here anywhere. This picture of Powell, however, is from that scene of the crucifixion. His portrayal of Jesus is my favorite of all the movies I’ve seen of Jesus’ life.
But there is something about the Centurion and Jesus that touches me so deeply. Maybe it’s because I believe they had a “history,” if you will. The Bible tells of a Centurion who came to Jesus asking him to heal his servant. The Centurion’s faith was so great he told Jesus he needn’t go to his house, it was enough that Jesus just say the word and the servant would be healed. Jesus turned to those around and exclaimed he’d never seen such great faith.
Later, as Jesus is being crucified, the Bible again talks of a Centurion who was there at the foot of he cross.
And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39)
I have read those two accounts over and over again through the years, and I’m convinced it was the same Centurion. Apparently so were the producers of this movie as that is how the Centurion was portrayed. For years I’ve been fascinated with that Roman who had such great faith. I’ve often wondered how it would be to write a book about that man. He inspires me and makes me wish my faith could be as pure and stalwart as his…
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There’s one other thing the word Cross makes me think about. It was my dad’s favorite hymn, and one that was played at both my folks’ funerals. The Old Rugged Cross written by George Bennard. I was raised listening to both my parents sing this song. It will be forever embedded in my heart and soul. Especially the second verse:
Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
To bear it to dark Calvary.
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Picture Credits:
Robert Powell — maryannemistretta.wordpress.com
Ernest Borgnine and Robert Powell — thecourtoftheking.blogspot.com
Ernest Borgnine and Olivia Hussey — www.excerptsofinri.com
Impromptu Promptlings 
I have always felt for that Centurion . I haven’t seen any of the movies, but for some reason, I remember him from the Bible. Wondered about him and how conflicted he must have been. Being forced to kill what he knew was Love.
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Being forced to kill what he knew was Love. Oh Mary, you articulated it so well. I think that conflict is exactly why I’ve always been drawn to him. Thank you for pointing that out. It makes a lot of sense to me.
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It’s interesting that you say Robert Powell was your favorite actor to play the role, because my best friend in college became a Christian because of that movie. She joined the ranks of ‘Jews for Jesus’ during that time.
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I LOVE Jews for Jesus! We’ve been to many of their presentations and we get their newsletter. Such a small world!
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What a stirring in my heart while reading and listening. Thank you so much for your loving attitude and words to my Crucified One. I have really feasted on your “lent” posts.
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Thank you so much for your comment, Oneta. I wondered what the heck I was gettin’ myself into after the first one. I am very non-traditional in some ways. But here I am with two more to go. Can’t believe I stuck with it! 😮 I’m so glad they were a blessing to you. {{{Oneta}}}
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No words necessary.
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I remember that song vividly from my Sunday School years 🙂
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Yes. Churches have gotten so regimented anymore that the ONLY time they’ll use it is on Good Friday. But it has basically been replaced by Johnny Cash’s Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord?). He wrote the song and also sang it. In fact, I found this video of Cash singing it and was surprised to here him talk about the Centurion. The legend HE’S talking about is what the movie The Robe with Richard Burton was based on.
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By the way, that is the Carter sisters and the Statler Brothers (if you’re into any early country music) backing him up on vocals. June Carter, the last one on the right, eventually became his wife.
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