Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 1, 2025

Date: Monday of the 1^st Week of Advent

Scripture Text:  Matthew 8:5-11

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully." He said to him, "I will come and cure him."

The centurion said in reply, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come here,' and he comes; and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it."

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, "Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Jesus exchange with a centurion seeking healing for his servant. The centurion’s faith in Jesus’ power and presence impressed Jesus. Jesus tells us at this point that it is faith that will bring us to eternal life in the Kingdom. And Jesus announces that outsiders and gentiles such as the centurion would be rewarded for faith.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How deep is my faith in Jesus and His power and presence?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, as we begin our preparations to welcome your beloved and only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into our midsts, our minds and our hearts, send your Spirit to increase our faith, amplify our hope, and deepen our love so that we might more fully believe in your love that sent Him and in His love for You and us that brought Him to us. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.