1st Sunday of Advent (A) : Monday 28th November 2022

Isaiah foretells the coming of Jesus. The God to come will teach that disagreements between nations must be solved by peaceful means, not war. This is the revolutionary way in which God will go about settling arguments. And we are all invited to the house of God, to follow Him.

The centurion who approached Jesus had come to Israel from Rome as part of an army of occupation. Nevertheless, he had great faith in Jesus. He was convinced that Jesus had the power to cure his sick servant. Jesus, impressed by this Roman citizen’s faith, states that everyone, irrespective of birth, is welcome in God’s house. As long as we have faith in Him, we are welcome to share His home at any and at all times. The centurion’s understanding of his own power and position helped him to believe in Jesus’ power and authority. People carried out the centurion’s orders because of his power and authority. Likewise, the centurion assumed that since Jesus had so much power, it would be simple for Him to wish for the centurion’s servant to be cured, and the servant would be healed. The centurion had complete faith in the power and authority of Jesus. His faith in Jesus was rewarded.

Lord, help us to follow the centurion’s example of faith in Your power to help us.