Gospel: Matthew 8: 5-11
This story of the Roman centurion is familiar enough to us, but we wonder why it is the first Gospel to begin the weekday cycle of readings for Advent. We hear continually of this man's great faith in Jesus so much so that his words are an integral part of the communion rite of Mass: Lord I am not worthy for you to enter my roof, but only say the word and my servant will be healed...
In response to these words Jesus tells us that many will come from lands far and wide and find a place at the banquet table in the kingdom of heaven. This centurion had great care and mercy for his servant, one of the least ones, and this care led him to seek help from the Lord Jesus. The centurion was not asking anything for himself; he was not seeking power or riches or any privilege. His faith in Jesus was rooted solely in care and concern for another, for a desire of mercy for them.
Advent faith is that of the centurion: to seek mercy and healing for all people, especially the least ones among us. It is not about seeking advantage for oneself. The centurion was a man of power and influence who stooped down to care for a servant and seek help from the Lord Jesus. In this he is a symbol of Jesus himself who came among us to heal us of our infirmities. It is our Advent task to imitate the centurion - to imitate the Lord Jesus - and show mercy on others in our world.
No comments:
Post a Comment