Word to the Wise
Monday, December 3, 2007 - Monday in the First Week of Advent
[Isaiah 4:2-6 and Matthew 8:5-11]Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.
"Only say the word....!" These words come from a centurion in the Roman army who cares about a slave he has who is probably non-Roman and non-Jewish! He has approached Jesus out of compassion for his sick servant. Jesus responds with compassion. But the centurion is a man certain of his place and identity and his faith leads him to believe that Jesus is someone far superior to himself. Thus he feels unworthy to have Jesus come personally! He is willing to accept Jesus' word alone! No wonder Jesus marvels. But Jesus also responds with power and the servant is healed even though Jesus' does not even see him! The power of God finds the right context for action: compassion and humility. People who display those virtues are powerful preachers! They care for others and do not worry about who gets the credit! In this season of Advent, perhaps we can ask ourselves how we present our own needs to the Lord? Compassion and humility require concern for others rather than oneself. This may include praying for others but it can also include doing works of compassion for others. The Advent season and Christmas season are very difficult times for many people for emotional, economic or physical reasons. Can we find a way to present these needs to Christ and respond as he would? AMEN