The first reading contains Isaiah’s eschatological vision, his dream of where things are ultimately headed. The psalm is the refrain of pilgrims going to Jerusalem. The Gospel tells the story of the centurion’s trustful request for the healing of his servant.

At the beginning of Advent, I find myself drawn to think about where things are going. In the preceding chapter, Isaiah has outlined the sinful state of the nation and the impending judgement. I consider the woes that Isaiah’s community had brought onto themselves. I see how in some ways we have not changed in the last 2700 years. Today’s first reading looks into the future to a time of peace. As I read this passage, I am drawn to consider Christ in the role of the Great Unifier. I find myself remembering the works that were in many ways formative as I developed my own eschatology and understanding of a “second coming”. With a God who may be active in the world today, I see a process of Salvation History that is continuing. I sense a special appropriateness to today’s Psalm as one envisions heading into a metaphorical new Jerusalem.

If I imagine myself among Jesus’ disciples in today’s Gospel, I am particularly impressed by the centurion. This is a man who by his very title has 100 men under him. He could have sent a representative, but he personally comes to Jesus. I see this and his words as a clear recognition of Jesus’ authority. The centurion reveals his character as he intercedes not for himself but for his servant. He then shows faith that his request can be addressed at a distance. I think of how the centurion’s words have been adapted into the communion service. These are words that in both the centurion’s case and the communicant’s case are meant to set the stage for an encounter of a supportive Divine Presence.

My prayer today reminds me that our word “advent” has its root in a Latin word meaning coming.

Dear Lord,
I look at the conflicts in this world.
I ask myself about the woes that we bring upon ourselves.
I see sparks of hope where Your grace seems to be present.
Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of the Christ.
I am drawn to think of this coming both in terms of Christmas,
and in terms of how Christ is manifest in a “second coming”.
Allow me to recognize Your supportive Divine Presence.