Monday of the first week of Advent
Isaiah 4: 1-6 Mathew 8: 5-11
Theme: The glory of God
As we continue to prepare for the first and second coming of Christ, the prophet Isaiah in the 1st reading of today, gives us a glimpse of what will happen and the joy that awaits all those who have prepared themselves very well. It will be such that the glory of God will wipe away everything that is not good and acceptable to God; and the reign of God will be supreme over all his people. It is our desire as children of God to be partakers of this New Jerusalem where everything will be good, and the reign of God will guide everything that is happening amongst his people. In view of this, we are all encouraged to make good use of the opportunity presented to us by this season of Advent, to prepare ourselves for the first and second coming of Christ; that way we will be prepared and ready to meet him when he comes.
Dearly beloved in Christ, the season of Advent is a season of God’s grace, and our readings continues to encourage us to make honest and sincere effort to prepare for the coming of Christ. One of the ways we can begin to prepare for the coming of Christ is by emulating the humility of the centurion in the gospel reading of today. In the first place, it takes a lot of humility for the master to go in search of Jesus for the restoration and healing of his servant; many of us may not go to that extent for a servant, for a friend or family member may be. We also see the humility of the centurion when he answered that he is not worthy to have Jesus under his roof. Only say the word and my servant will be healed, that shows he had great faith in Jesus.
Dearly beloved in Christ, the centurion presents us with a road map that will guide us towards preparing for the coming of Christ in a way that will be good and pleasing to God. In his action we see faith, humility, and selflessness, all these will go a long way towards helping us to be good children of God and be ready to meet him when he comes in his glory. As we continue to prepare to meet him when he comes in his glory, may almighty God bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.