Isaiah 4:2-6 / Matthew 8:5-11
An average dictionary would have something like over 50,000 entries and with over 70,000 definitions.
That is quite a number of words with quite a number of definitions.
But despite their abundance, words still have a powerful effect on our lives and in our thinking.
A carefully chosen word or phrase can save a situation, whereas a careless choice of words can ruin everything.
So if the pen is mightier than the sword, then the spoken word can be as powerful as the action.
In the gospel, the centurion recognized the authority of Jesus and the power of His Word, the centurion being a man of authority himself.
He believed that what Jesus says is as good as being done already.
As the Church begins the season of Advent, we are called to reflect on what Jesus said and to prepare for how it will be fulfilled.
Jesus came 2000 years ago to bring about healing and forgiveness. He will come again to bring about restoration and salvation.
May we hold on to our faith in His Word as we continue to wait for the fulfillment of His promises.