Monday of the 1st week of Advent

Advent is our time of waiting for the Lord, a special time of hoping for God’s presence and healing and peace.
Our readings today all speak of “climb the Lord’s mountain” or “go up to the house of the Lord.” Our faith has its own way of “climbing the Lord’s mountain” or being present to God who calls to our hearts.
The Centurion in Matthew’s gospel came to Jesus to beg for healing for his servant. When Jesus said he would come to visit his home and meet the boy, the Centurion’s reply of faith was, “just give the word and my boy will be healed” …because “I am not worthy to have you under my roof.” Jesus, in his healing of the boy, spoke of the man’s deep faith.
God comes to each of us and lives deeply in our hearts. Belief gives us the strength and love, with the psalmist, to say: “For love of my brethren and friends I say: ‘Peace upon you!’