Greetings on this the Monday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: Isaiah 4:2-6; Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9; Matthew 8:5-11
Summary
In our sacred scripture today, we are reminded to rely upon the Lord and not upon our own craftiness calculations, and military alliances.
Jerusalem Purified
For over all, his glory will be shelter and protection: shade from the parching heat of day, refuge and cover from storm and rain (Isa 4:6).
The Healing of a Centurion’s Servant
“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 (Mt 8:6-8).
Reflection
In both Isaiah, the first reading, and in Matthew, the gospel portion, Jews and the Gentile alike seek and receive comfort from the Lord. Isaiah, warned Israel to not put their hope in military alliances. In the gospel portion, the Centurion did not rely upon his military authority to solve his problem either.
It seem that military power is a keystone of human power. Isaiah and the Centurion reject that way of solving the problem of human misery. Rather, rely upon the Lord.
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. And Jesus said to the centurion, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” And at that very hour [his] servant was healed (Mt 8:10, 13).
Personal Reflection
May the power of the Centurion’s faith be your power. May his faith, stronger than all Israel’s faith be your strength. May his humility, which we repeat at every Mass, be our disposition.
Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my soul shall be healed (Roman Missal).
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120125.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry