To begin our Advent journey, Fr Michael Winstanley reflects on today's Gospel where Jesus responds to a plea for help from a Roman centurion. A pagan and a foreigner, he has faith in the Lord, and his words are those we now use to prepare for receiving Jesus in the Eucharist.

Matthew 8:5-11

This episode in Jesus' ministry provides an excellent opening for the season of Advent. The Jesus whom we meet here is welcoming and brings healing. The centurion shows great trust. This combination is compelling and paradigmatic.
Following the traditional interpretation of the story, Jesus is clearly a man of authority. He is probably surprised at being approached for a cure by a Gentile. Unusual as this is, and contrary to the normal thrust of his ministry, he responds with great openness, even spontaneously volunteering to go to the centurion's home in order to cure his servant. Clearly, such a visit was not part of the petitioner's scenario. Jesus is prepared to incur ritual defilement in order to effect the healing, and does not baulk at the probability of incurring criticism and hostility from the townsfolk for his trouble. There is a remarkable freedom and openness about him. He publicly expresses his amazement at the man's extraordinary faith. Adopting the alternative interpretation of the story, Jesus manifests his flexibility, his willingness to change his attitude when faced with strong faith. He generously acknowledges in public the faith he has encountered. It is the centurion's faith which stands out from the narrative. He clearly believes in the power of Jesus to heal his servant; he trusts that his Gentile background will not prove an insurmountable obstacle. He is aware of his poverty and need. He shows humility in readily acknowledging his unworthiness to have Jesus under his roof. For him, a word from Jesus is enough.

In commenting so favourably on the Gentile's faith, Jesus puts him forward as an exemplar. This is the case not only for the Jews of the town in which the encounter took place; it is true for us today. This is perhaps particularly so as we enter the season of Advent. There is something engaging and attractive about the man's humble awareness that he has no rights and cannot demand a cure for his servant. Such poverty of spirit must be a characteristic when we approach Jesus with our hopes, dreams and needs. The man's words, slightly adapted, have been included in the new form of our Eucharistic celebration prior to the reception of communion. Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. They sum up the dispositions which are appropriate for our welcoming of the Lord into or hearts. They also express our trust in the love and acceptance of Jesus, and his power to heal and bring life to the whole of our being. They could be our Advent prayer mantra.

From An Advent Journey, Michael T Winstanley SDB pp: 15-16

Welcome the Word

For us, the word of Jesus, listened to with faith, is a source of spiritual life. It is food for prayer, light to see God's will in the events of life, and strength to live our Salesian vocation faithfully. We try to welcome the word of Jesus as Mary did, and ponder it in our hearts, so that it will bear fruit in our lives and help us to live them with more energy.

Salesian Constitution 87