Word to the Wise
Monday, November 29, 2010 - Monday in the First Week of Advent
[Isaiah 4:2-6 (Second Choice) 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.
These words of a pagan centurion are immortalized in the celebration of the Eucharist! We say almost the identical expression just before the reception of communion! Jesus is amazed by the centurion's faith in no small part because he had not found that kind of faith amongst his own Jewish people. He takes the opportunity to warn his Jewish audience that many people will come from all over the world to be part of the "kingdom" and his audience may find themselves excluded because of their lack of faith!
I begin this season of Advent in the city of Amarillo, Texas, where I am preaching a "parish mission" to the people of St. Martin De Porres Church. Last night I led them through a renewal of understanding of their baptismal commitment of faith and what that means for them. Advent is a season of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is an opportunity to look at those things we take so much for granted. Baptism, because it happens to most of us as infants, can be very much taken for granted. We could find ourselves put to shame by the faith of those who have never known our faith. They may acknowledge the power of Christ in a way that is fresh and inspiring!
In short, I am challenging the people to an "intentional" Advent. The four candles of the Advent wreath can serve to help us recall and live up to the faith we have received. The words we speak at every Eucharist to prepare to receive the Lord can become just so much ritual recitation if we don't stop and think like that centurion. AMEN
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