How appropriate, that right at the beginning of Advent, we
have this profound statement of humble faith of the Roman Centurion. “Lord, I
am not worthy”
On one hand, these words confess our unworthiness to receive
the holy one. Our lives our full of so many imperfections, so much weakness,
that the words of St. Peter would be more appropriate, no? “Depart from me
Lord, for I am a sinful man.” I have so often turned away from grace, turned
away from goodness. I am not worthy.
And yet, Advent celebrates that the Lord comes to us, draws
near to us, not only despite our unworthiness, but because of it. We celebrate
that God desires not that the sinner should perish, but that he might have eternal
life. And so rather than turning away from us in disgust, God draws near to us,
and becomes one of us.
In the reading from Isaiah, not only Isaiah, but all nations
joyfully stream toward the Lord who has made his dwelling upon the holy
mountain. During Advent, we celebrate how the Lord draws near to us, but also
recognize that we must do our part to climb the Lord’s mountain, in order to
draw near to him, and that is a source of great joy.
What are some ways we can draw near to the Lord this Advent?
Like the Centurion, we do well to make a confession of our
unworthiness. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful way to prepare for
the coming of Christ. By acknowledging our sins and receiving God’s
forgiveness, we make room for His grace.
The words of
the Centurion are also echoed in every Mass: “Lord, I am not worthy that you
should enter under my roof”. Participating in every daily mass we can is one of
the most profound ways we can enter climb the mountain of the Lord during
Advent. For at Mass, we hear the voice of the Lord in our Advent scripture readings,
and we are able to draw as close as we possibly can to the Lord while we are
still on earth, in the worthy reception of Holy Communion.
Isaiah speaks
of all nations streaming toward the Lord. We certainly grow in the Advent
spirit when we help others draw near to the Lord as well: inviting them to
mass, to prayer, to scripture study, and reaching out in love and generosity
and small acts of kindness.
Let us go
rejoicing to the house of the Lord, that we may meet the Lord in love and joy,
for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
- - - - -
As we await with longing the Advent of our Lord Jesus
Christ, we raise up our prayers of petitions.
That Christ may visit his holy Church and always find her
repentant of sin and watchful in prayer.
That Christ may fill the Pope, our Bishop, and all the
clergy with spiritual gifts and graces.
That Christ may guide the minds of those who govern us to
promote the common good according to His Holy Will.
That Christ may banish disease, drive out hunger, and ward
off every affliction.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in
purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Almighty ever-living God, who bring salvation to all and
desire that no one should perish, hear the prayers of your people and grant
that the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and your
Church rejoice in tranquility and devotion. Through Christ our Lord.
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