“Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven” (Mt 8:10-13).

The one to whom Jesus is referring to is a Roman centurion who approached Jesus seeking healing for his servant. I imagine that Jesus was not only amazed with the man’s humility, recognizing his sinfulness, not only that he believed that Jesus could heal from a distance with simply his word, but also that he was aware of the need and suffering of his slave and willingness to do something about it. This Roman centurion clearly embodied the teachings of Jesus! The centurion’s words are the words we speak before receiving Jesus in the Eucharist during each Mass: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and I shall be healed.”

The ticket for the banquet to the Kingdom of Heaven is not only for the chosen people of Israel, but also for all those from the east and the west who follow the will of the Father as did Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, like this centurion, who has much to say to us this Advent.

The first point we can learn from the centurion is that he was aware of the need of his slave. The slave was not invisible to him, he was not indifferent to his suffering and pain. We need to be aware of those who are in need among us. We need to resist the temptation to walk around, over, or by others that are different in any way. We need to embrace the gift of our diversity, not stiff arm and keep those who are different at arm’s length.

We also can see the need to embrace humility and acknowledge our own sinfulness, and when we do so, we are better able to see other’s needs. None of us are perfect. No one person is above any other. We all have gifts as well as shortcomings. We need each other because we complement one another. When we engage in dialogue and cooperation we are stronger.

Not only do we need one another, we need a savior, for apart from Jesus, who we prepare to encounter this Advent season, we can do nothing, but with Jesus all things are possible. Jesus is the Truth and the Fulfillment that we seek. He has sent out a universal invitation of communion for all, to Israel first and then to all from east and west, north and south. Our yes comes in the form of the Roman Centurion who recognized his own sinfulness, acknowledged it before Jesus, was aware of the need of his slave and moved to seek help when he knew he was helpless, and then had faith and hope in the one who could provide healing.

This Advent may we take time to examine our conscience, have the humility to confess our sins, to acknowledge when and where we have been wrong and wronged others. May we be willing to forgive others and seek forgiveness ourselves. May we be willing to resist the temptation to embrace fear and close ourselves off from others and be indifferent to the plight and needs of others, but instead assume a posture of openness to the gift of the rich diversity of our humanity. May we be willing to lock arms with one another in solidarity to seek the healing and betterment of all peoples in our communities, states, nation, and world. We have so much to offer one another when we are willing to work together instead of against one another. We who have received the forgiveness of Jesus and felt the embrace of his love are to be the first to reach out in hope to those who stand at a distance. As Jesus called us and we have answered yes, we are to call others who he has called, but are not able to hear his voice.

Painting: Sebastiano Ricci – Christ Heals the Centurion’s Servant, 1726-1729

Link for today’s Mass readings:

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120417.cfm