Monday, First week of Advent
Is 2: 1-5; Mt 8: 5-11
Compare these two sayings from the first reading and the Gospel respectively: “Come, let us go to the mountain of the Lord”(Is 2:3) versus “I will come and cure you”(Mt 8:7)… it is in fact an integral part of the new paradigm of revelation that begins with Jesus’ coming. We are today reminded of the incarnational paradigm of our faith! From a state where we were expected to go in search of God, we arrive at a state where the Lord comes in search of us. ‘The Word became flesh and dwelt among us’ (Jn 1: 14).
What should our disposition be: the centurion teaches us! It should be one of humility, readiness to change and a eagerness to experience the transforming grace of God. That exactly is what Advent is all about!
To look at ourselves in humility, to be willing to alter our perspectives and priorities and to long and yearn for a closer encounter with the Lord are the directions that should take us forward this Advent.
-– Antony Christy SDB (Salesians of Don Bosco)
