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This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz,
saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
In days to come,
The mountain of the LORD’s house
shall be established as the highest mountain
and raised above the hills.
All nations shall stream toward it;
many peoples shall come and say:
“Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
That he may instruct us in his ways,
and we may walk in his paths.”
For from Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and impose terms on many peoples.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;
One nation shall not raise the sword against another,
nor shall they train for war again.
O house of Jacob, come,
let us walk in the light of the LORD!
Ps 122:1-2,3-4,4-5,6-7,8-9
R./ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R./ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R./ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R./ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
R./ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Because of my relatives and friends
I will say, “Peace be within you!”
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
R./ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
When Jesus entered Capernaum, an army captain approached him to ask his help, "Sir, my servant lies sick at home. He is paralyzed and suffers terribly." Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
The captain answered, "I am not worthy to have you under my roof. Just give an order and my boy will be healed. For I myself, a junior officer, give orders to my soldiers. And if I say to one: 'Go,' he goes, and if I say to another: 'Come,' he comes, and to my servant: 'Do this,' he does it."
When Jesus heard this he was astonished and said to those who were following him, "I tell you, I have not found such faith in Israel. I say to you, many will come from east and west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the kingdom of heaven."
Lord, only say the word, and I shall be healed.
As we enter the season of Advent, today’s readings highlight God’s infinite mercy and Hisvision for peace and restoration. In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah envisions a future where devastations serve as a stepping stone to renewal. Even in times of tragedy, God’s saving plan unfolds, preserving His faithful remnant. Zion, the holy mountain of God’s presence, shines as a beacon of hope.
Yet today’s Gospel challenges us to broaden our understanding of God’s reign. A Roman centurion—a symbol of power and an outsider to Israel’s faith—demonstrates profound humility and trust in Jesus. Despite cultural and religious barriers, his faith draws him to Christ, and his servant is healed. Jesus marvels at the centurion’s faith, declaring it greater than any he has found in Israel. In this moment, the Gospel reveals that God’s kingdom knows no boundaries; it is open to all who seek him with sincere hearts.
This Advent, we are invited to emulate the centurion’s humility and faith, acknowledging Christ’s presence in both holy and everyday settings. Similar to the Israelites rising toMount Zion, we require moments of stillness in the Church to meet God. However, our faith should also propel us into the marketplace of life, where unforeseen requests for assistanceand gestures of love manifest Christ in our world.
We prepare for the coming of the Lord—not only at Christmas but in every moment where faith meets need, love crosses boundaries, and hope transforms lives.
– How can I grow in humility and trust like the centurion?
– Where is Christ calling me to bring his presence into the lives of others this Advent?
Lord God, Father of all,
in your Son Jesus Christ
you invite everyone and all to know and love you
and to live in your unending peace.
Keep alive in us the zeal
to bring the light of your truth
and the riches of your life and love to all,
without any distinction
of race, language or culture.
May everyone on earth come to know you
as the merciful Father of all
through our brother and Savior,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
First Reading Introduction
Today's message speaks of universal salvation. Isaiah preaches that all are called to believe in God, to worship him, to live according to God's plans and laws, and to enjoy his peace. Jerusalem stands here for God's believing people.
Gospel Introduction
The centurion's faith is remarkable. He is symbolic of the gentiles who will be called, for the kingdom is open to all, without any privilege of race or culture. With Christ, salvation has become available to anyone of good will.
Let us pray that the Lord Jesus may be known and accepted by all. We say: Lord, hear our prayer.
- For people who drift through life without someone to believe in, that they may discover God and his Messiah, we pray:
- For the many cultures all over the world, that the gospel may enrich them, we pray:
- For peace and lasting friendship among nations, we pray:
Lord God, bread and wine
food and drink, life and joy -
these you have destined for all
through your Son Jesus Christ.
Let it be a life and a joy
that cannot be taken away
and that we can make real among us
by the strength of him
who is our food and drink,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Lord, God of the promise,
you have nourished us
with the body of your Son.
By the strength of this food
make us the body of your Son to the world,
not on account of our merits
but for the sake of what you do in us.
Make visible in us
the mercy and justice of Jesus Christ,
that people may recognize his presence among us
and through him give you all honor and praise
now and for ever.
"Many will come from east and west and eat with us at the table of the kingdom." This is happening much in our day. Are we ready to respect and welcome them as equals with us before God? May almighty God bless you and them, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
