Monday of the First Week of Advent
Matthew 8: 5-11
FAITH, TRUST and LOVE

In the meeting between Jesus and the centurion, we witness a love and a faith that break through every barrier society had built. The centurion was a Gentile, a foreigner, a representative of the occupying power. To many Jews of his time, he was someone to be avoided and despised. His servant was a slave, without rights or dignity. Yet it is precisely these two—the outsider and the slave—who receive the tender gaze of Jesus.

The centurion stands out immediately as a man of rare character. Roman centurions were the backbone of the army: steady, disciplined, courageous, and responsible. Surprisingly, centurions mentioned in the New Testament appear as honourable and noble souls and the centurion of Capernaum is extraordinary among them. He deeply loved his servant. This officer refused to abandon him. His compassion moved him to seek help from a Jewish teacher—and that humility touched the heart of Christ.

Yet his greatness shines even more in his faith. Knowing Jewish customs, he felt unworthy to ask Jesus to enter his home. But he also trusted Jesus’ authority in a way few had understood:
“Only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.”

He believed that Christ’s command held power even at a distance, just as a soldier knows that authority is obeyed even when unseen. Jesus marvelled—marvelled!—at this Gentile’s faith, greater than any He had found in Israel.

And then Jesus makes an astonishing declaration: many from east and west—unexpected people, outsiders—would sit at God’s banquet, while those who presumed themselves heirs might find themselves outside.

The message is clear and timeless:
It is not ancestry, position, or privilege that opens the Kingdom.
It is faith.
It is trust.
It is love.
These are the gifts the centurion offers us today.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025