Word to the Wise
Monday, November 28, 2016 - 1st Week of Advent - Mon
[Isa 2:1-5 (or, in Year A, Isa 4:2-6) and Matt 8:5-11]MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 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." [Matthew] These words from today's gospel scripture are familiar ones. We say them just before joining the line to receive the Body of Christ at the Eucharist. For the centurion who first uttered them they were words of faith and desperation. There was no time to lose. His servant was "paralyzed, suffering dreadfully." His words were also consistent with his life as a military officer. He knew authority in a way that non-military people do not know it. Obedience to orders is expected and non-obedience is punished. The centurion did not need Jesus' to take time to come. Jesus only had to give the orders. His faith amazes Jesus because a centurion from a pagan state would not be expected to show faith in the God of Israel, and Jesus finds the centurion's faith stronger than anyone he knew "in Israel." We say the same words as the centurion said. Is our faith as strong as his? Advent is the road leading to Bethlehem. Can we begin that journey, following the star, with faith that God can become human and save us? This may happen every year but it cannot become "liturgy as usual." Advent is a precious time for the Word of God to lead and renew us. Bethlehem is distant at the moment so we had better get moving! AMEN