Monday of the
First Week of Advent
(Isaiah 4:2-6; Matthew 8:5-11)
Advent periscopes the coming of the Lord. We stand in expectation throughout the
year. But in Advent we keep our eyes
wide open so that we might glimpse him moving toward us. These days become joyful because we know that
the long wait is almost over. Today’s gospel relates how one man did not need the
Lord to come to his house. He trusted Jesus’
word that things will turn out all right.
The man who trusted is not a Jew with reason to believe
in the prophet Jesus. He is a Roman army
officer with a good heart. He cares
enough about his servant, who is probably Jewish, that he comes looking for
Jesus. He recognizes Jesus’ authority which must radiate as prominently as the
beauty of a professional model. No doubt, as well, he has been informed of
Jesus’ reputation as a healer. In any case the officer does not tie up the
Lord. He only states that just as his
subordinates submit to his authority so will spiritual forces submit to Jesus’.
It is time for us to renew our hope in Jesus’
authority. He is the Lord of heaven and
earth. We only have to seek his assistance. We can trust that he will take note of our
good will and help us.
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