Advent is about hope. Hope is a human feeling. When we hope for something, we expect and desire for it to happen. The centurion in today’s gospel exemplifies the kind of hope we should emulate as Christians. He had a fervent desire and confident expectation that Jesus would indeed heal his servant who was in great pain. He did not mind the obstacles he faced. He was a Roman soldier, despised and hated by the Jews, but hope inspired him on. He was a gentile, a pagan and an enemy of God’s people, but hope urged him forward. His servant was miles away from where he met Jesus, but hope encouraged him on. Even when Jesus volunteered to go to his house, hope and trust motivated him to tell Jesus not to bother, but to “just give the word and my servant will be cured”. Like this brave and hope-filled Centurion, may we too, with hope, bring our needs, those of our loved ones, and those of others to the Lord during this Advent.

Prayer: Almighty God, fill our hearts with hope as we await the birth of our Savior, and our final salvation. Amen.