Monday December 4, 2023

Matthew 8:5-11

When Jesus went into Capernaum a centurion came up and pleaded with him. ‘Sir,’ he said ‘my servant is lying at home paralysed, and in great pain.’ ‘I will come myself and cure him’ said Jesus.

You know something is lost in this passage. The animosity towards the Romans. The Jews never liked the Romans but they particularly did not like them at the time this gospel passage was written. I mean they hated them as much Ukraine hates Russia. Terrible example I know but I can’t use the other groups that hate each other in the east. Remember this gospel passage is written about 20 years after the Romans have burned down the temple. There is hatred here that you and I don’t understand.

How provocative then is it that Jesus finds greater faith in this despicable Roman than in any Jewish person? There is a river of lessons here.

Advent practice number 1, give someone the benefit of the doubt, give them a second chance. Allow yourself to be surprised by them. Even a dead clock is right two times a day.