Many will come from east and west and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the kingdom of heaven.

Faith that astonishes Jesus. That’s what we encounter in today’s Gospel, the faith of a Roman centurion who believes that a single word from Christ can heal. He recognizes true authority, not through power or position, but through trust in Jesus’ word.

This moment reveals something profound about the heart of God: His kingdom is open to all who believe. Isaiah’s vision of a purified people and the Psalm’s rejoicing in the house of the Lord find fulfillment in this radical welcome. Faith, not status, opens the door.

Like the centurion, we echo his humility at every Mass: “Lord, I am not worthy…” We approach the Eucharist, aware of our need, yet full of hope. St. Peter Julian Eymard reminds us, “The Eucharist is the supreme proof of the love of Jesus. After this, there is nothing more but Heaven itself.” In the Eucharist, we find the same Lord who once spoke healing with a word, now present under the humble appearance of bread and wine.

As Advent begins, may our faith be renewed, not in what we see, but in Who we receive. The same Christ who astonished the centurion stands before us in the Eucharist, ready to heal, strengthen, and make us whole.

Where in your life do you need to say, “Only say the word, Lord”?

Let Us Pray:

Lord Jesus, strengthen our faith to trust in Your word and presence in the Eucharist. Heal what is broken within us and draw us to Your table with humility and hope. May our belief in Your sacramental presence open our hearts to welcome all whom You love. Amen.