Readings: Isaiah 4:2-6, Ps. 122:1-2,4-5,6-9, Matthew 8:5-11
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” (Isaiah 2:3)
Our opening prayer at Mass today implores God to grant that as we await the coming of Christ, He may find us “watchful in prayer and exultant in his praise.” These two qualities, so beautifully displayed by the Centurion in today’s Gospel passage, moved Jesus to grant his request. As we call on Jesus this season of Advent, the Centurion gives us the proper disposition and outlook that should necessarily accompany our call.
What does it mean to be watchful in prayer? Firstly, it is carrying our troubles to God, trusting that He alone can give us the peace we desire. The Centurion “came forward to him, begging him and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralysed at home, in terrible distress.” Advent is a time to come closer to Jesus in prayer. Plan to dedicate more time to Prayer this season, and incorporate visits to the Blessed Sacrament as much as possible.
Secondly, being watchful in prayer entails listening to God. Prayer is never a one-way traffic. When we pray, we pour out our hearts completely to God, but we must also be attentive to His inspirations. The centurion listened to Jesus. He heard him saying, “I will come and heal him.” Most times, we don’t listen when we pray; our troubles weigh us down so much that we never hear God’s gentle voice, assuring us of His understanding and commitment to solving our problems. God has not stopped speaking today; we only need to be more watchful and attentive.
The second aspect of today’s message is being exultant in praise. Our responsorial psalm today sings: “Let us go rejoicing to the house of God.” It says, ‘Let us go rejoicing,’ not ‘Let us go complaining.’ Praise is not something we do after the miracle; it is something that provokes the miracle. Let these words sink in. Praise moves God to act on our behalf because it shows God that, regardless of our condition, we will give Him the honour He deserves.
Jesus said, “Not even in Israel have I found such faith.” By praising God before the miracle, we prove that we are people of faith – that we deserve the miracle. Again and again, I come across persons who claim that religion is merely a tool imported into Africa by the colonialists and used to divide us so they can easily conquer us. While the centurion, a Roman official, received his miracle, many Jews (including those who grew up with Jesus) got nothing from Him because they had no faith. If you don’t believe in God, allow us to worship our God peacefully. The problem in Africa is not religion itself but the failure of worshippers to follow what their religion truly says. For instance, when we tell lies, cheat or hate one another, how can our nation survive?
By asking Jesus to speak the word for his servant’s healing, the centurion was indirectly telling Jesus that He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the commander-in-chief of heaven and earth, the one who spoke creation into being. If I can command a hundred soldiers, I know you can command the entire galaxy. I know that nothing is too hard for you to do. My house is too small to welcome you. You who watch the whole world from your throne in heaven. You surely do not need to come before bringing healing to my servant.
The centurion praised Jesus before he received his miracle. He did not doubt in his heart about what Jesus could do, and he approached Jesus with the firm assurance that his servant would receive healing. While Advent is a time to be watchful in prayer, we must be mindful of our attitude toward God. Do I approach Him with bitterness, fear, doubt or even anger? Do I approach God as though He were responsible for my problems? Do I feel entitled?
Some of us say things like, “God, after everything I have done for you, what am I getting from you?” My brother, what have you done for God? Have you forgotten that you brought nothing to this world and that you were given everything you now possess? Don’t be like the tax collector who bragged in God’s presence only to return home empty. (cf. Luke 18:9-14). Humble yourself as the centurion did, and approach God with faith. Another point to note is that the centurion went through all this trouble not for himself, not for his child, but for his servant, an employee who could be sacked at any time. What is my attitude towards my subordinates? Do I pray for my workers? Do I even care when they are sick?
Finally, today’s first reading gives us the reason we must be watchful in prayer and exultant in God’s praise – God deeply cares about us. He never promises and fails. Trust Him. He is our refuge and shelter amid the storms of life. Like the centurion, don’t be afraid to carry your troubles to Him.
Let us pray: Keep us alert, we pray, O Lord our God, as we await the advent of Christ your Son, so that, when he comes and knocks, he may find us watchful in prayer and exultant in his praise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of the 1st week of Advent. Liturgical Colour: Purple. Bible Study: Isaiah 4:2-6, Ps. 122:1-2,4-5,6-9, Matthew 8:5-11)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu