One of the themes of Advent is the fulfillment of the prophecies that were written in the Old Testament.
The prophecies speak of the Promised One of God and that he will save God’s people.
The 1st reading is an example of one of those prophecies.
During the season of Advent, these prophecies are recalled, and for us, we know that the prophecies are already fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
But the prophecies of the Old Testament do not just speak about the Promised One of God.
No doubt the prophecies are already fulfilled in Jesus Christ, yet the same prophecies also speak to us about God’s saving plan for us in our day.
In the gospel, the centurion speaks about the word of authority, and Jesus affirmed him of his faith.
As for us, we too must believe in the authority of the Word of God.
God continues to renew His promises to us as we read and listen to His Word.
In this Advent, let us read and meditate on the Word of God, and believe that God will fulfill His promises to us.