Monday of the First Week of Advent
(Isaiah 2:1-5; Matthew 8:5-11)
Today’s first reading announces very good news for the whole
world – the end of war, the beginning of everlasting peace. In the eighth century before Christ, the prophet
Isaiah visualized nations, formerly dedicating many resources to warfare now
using them for social welfare and, hence, the glory of God.
The gospel indicates how at least the beginning of Isaiah’s prophecy
is fulfilled with Jesus. A centurion, a
model of a military man, bows before the Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Jesus’ ways, not those of the Cesars of the
world, must be studied and lived.
Advent is the great season of hope. Although we inhabit a world where war still
reges, we have the courage to hope for days when nations will put aside their
weapons to join one another in the quest for peace.
