REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 1ST WEEK OF ADVENT 4TH DECEMBER 2023

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REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 1ST WEEK OF ADVENT 4TH DECEMBER 2023
Isaiah 2:1-5; Ps.122; Matt.8:5-11

Love begets Loyalty!

In the first reading of today, the Prophet Isaiah invites us all to the mountain of the Lord for it is the highest of all mountains. Usually, the beauty and glory of mountains lie in their heights. To say that the Lord’s mountain is the highest means that the glory of the Lord cannot be compared to any other. So, Isaiah is inviting us to what stands as the best. To come to the mountain of the Lord is not about locating the highest mountain in the world; it is not even just about coming to the house of the Lord. Isaiah explained that when we walk in the light of the Lord, we will be approaching the highest of all mountains.

To walk in God’s light necessarily demands that we move away from the darkness of sin and selfishness. This movement towards the light will remove the blinders in our eyes that make us see ourselves as rivals. With the Lord enlightening us, we will begin to see ourselves more and more like brothers and sisters of our heavenly Father. Thus, Isaiah said, “nation shall not litf up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more”.

The attitude of the centurion in the gospel reading is what advent wants to actualize in each and every one of us. An attitude wherein we are always ready to serve one another rather than emphasizing what others must do for us. In this season of advent, let us purge ourselves of the attitude wherein we value people only to the extent that we can use them. If the centurion was simply using this servant, he will request for another when this one become paralyzed.

The truth is, people know the difference between when they are being used and when they are loved. When you use people, you never get the best from them. But when people understand that they are loved, they will always want to reciprocate with love. Thus, you can imagine that after the paralyzed servant was healed by Jesus, he will be ever more loyal to his master who became a friend in need to him. Beloved, do not expect true loyalty from those you have not truly loved. God wants us to truly love one another so that we can be truly loyal to one another.

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