Faith that Surprises our Lord
December 2, 2024 - Monday of the First Week of Advent
Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, and Matthew 8:5-11
On this First Monday of Advent, we reflect on Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, and Matthew 8:5-11, uncovering a message of hope and faith that guides our spiritual journey.
Isaiah’s vision of a world transformed by peace calls us to an “imaginative boldness”. Even in a time of war and destruction, Isaiah dares to envision a future where nations beat their swords into ploughshares, and peace reigns. This courage, born of desperation, reminds us that despite the turmoil of the world, we are called to trust in God’s ultimate plan of peace. For Christians, the proclamation of the Gospel marks the beginning of this peace, though we are still far from its full realization.
Psalm 122 deepens this imagery by describing the joyful journey to the house of the Lord. Jerusalem, both an earthly city and a spiritual symbol, represents the destination of this pilgrimage, where God’s presence resides. For us, this ascent to Jerusalem becomes a metaphor for our spiritual journey toward the heavenly city, where peace and eternal life await.
In the Gospel, however, we encounter a model of the faith we are called to live. The Roman centurion’s faith astonishes even Jesus. This is the only instance where the Greek verb "thaumazo" — to be amazed — describes Jesus’ reaction. Normally, the people were amazed at Jesus’ teaching and mighty deeds. Though not part of Israel, the centurion believes with such certainty in Jesus’ authority that he trusts Him to heal from afar. His simple yet profound words — "Lord, I am not worthy... but only say the word" — now echo in our liturgy before the Holy Communion.
Jesus marvels at the faith of this Roman, and His listeners are stunned by His declaration: (1) no such faith could be found in Israel; (2) the Gentiles will join Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet of salvation, while some Jews will be cast into the outer darkness; (3) acceptance to the banquet is based on faith in Jesus, not on heredity. This harsh criticism aims to prompt repentance. As Paul writes, “For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly... But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit” (Rom 2:28-29).
Carrying the authority of the emperor, the centurion believed that Jesus carried the authority of God — extending over sin, sickness, and even death. If Jesus told that sickness to ‘go,’ it would go. Like the healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter (Matt 15:21-28), this miracle took place from a distance. The centurion’s faith in Christ’s immense authority created the condition for it to happen. He received what he expected because he believed. Thus, faith that surprises the Lord means trusting profoundly in Him for whom nothing is impossible (Gen 18:14; Luke 1:37).
Advent is a season of waiting, but not passive waiting. Like Isaiah’s vision, it is bold, imaginative, and courageous. We are on a pilgrimage, as Psalm 122 reminds us, a journey toward the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise. Let us strive to deepen our faith so that, like the centurion, our trust in Jesus will be so strong that it moves even the Lord to marvel. Through faith, we are invited to join Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet of salvation, where true peace awaits.