Gospel Reading: Mt 8:5-11
WHEN Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.”
REFLECTION: Only say the word and my servant will be healed
Isaiah is our guide during the Advent season. He points out to us that the Messiah will come to the holy mountain Zion or Jerusalem. People will hear God speak about peace, reconciliation, and healing. Instruments of war will be made implements for food to satisfy those who are hungry. On this second day of Advent, Isaiah shows that this season is tantamount to climbing a high mountain.
Advent also embraces the huge mystery of waiting for the Savior. How do we wait for him and welcome him? In the Gospel, the centurion teaches us to wait patiently and trustfully for the saving work of Jesus in our life. Although not a Jew, and not part of the chosen people, the centurion trusts that Jesus will grant his request for his slave. Jesus is amazed at the trust and obedience shown by the centurion who believes in the power of Jesus’ word and does not have second thoughts in obeying him.
The Messiah will come and, as Isaiah suggests, the salvation that he brings is much bigger than the mountain. At his coming, may we have the centurion’s humility of heart and learn to trust fully in Jesus’ words and in his healing and saving work in our midst.
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Rushing and fretting usually leave us disoriented and disorganized. Let us try to plan and work ahead so we enjoy a calm and peaceful disposition.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2018,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
