JESUS WAS ASTONISHED

PRAYER MOMENT

Monday 2 December 2013

JESUS WAS ASTONISHED

Pause.  Be still and enter into the presence of God within.

Reading. “When Jesus heard this he was astonished and said to those following him … I tell you that many will come from the east and the west to take their place with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 8:5-11)

Reflection. Advent kicks off with descriptions of the gentiles streaming to Jerusalem to take their place in the feast of the kingdom. Israel has opened the door to the nations though the welcome the patriarchs gave to the call of Yahweh. Now the time has come for all the nations “from the rising of the sun to its setting” to enter into the reign of God. The gospel captures the joyful astonishment of Jesus as he notices the faith of the Roman centurion and it is the note of joy with which we approach Advent. Jesus relishes the moment. The reign of God has come. The invitation is announced. All that remains is for “the nations” to realise it and take notice of what is offered. Advent is the time when we strain ourselves like an athlete to reach out to the promise.  

Prayer. Lord, we rejoice in this time of promise. With hearts full of gratitude we ask you to help us to reach out for the promise that you offer us. Amen.