Monday of the First Week of Advent

“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.” -Matthew 5:8-11
 
In my meditative Advent journey, Mary and Joseph prepare to take their first steps to Bethlehem. But why did they go when Mary was so close to giving birth? If we can say nothing else about them, we can proclaim that Mary and Joseph are obedient to authority.
 
Consider who inspired Ceasar Augustus to call for the census, which drew Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Perhaps the Holy Spirit or one of God’s angels whispered in Ceasar’s ear the word, ‘Census.' In obedience to his authority, the Holy Family began their dangerous trip to the city where Jesus was to be born.
 
In their obedience to a man, Mary and Joseph became obedient to God, who inspired the reason for the journey. What should have been a hardship became the fulfillment of sacred prophecy. Lord, may you grant me the faith of Mary, Joseph, and the centurion so that I may become obedient to Your authority as I take my first steps to Bethlehem.
 
Saint Bibiana, pray for us.
 
Click on the link for the Daily Reading.
 
Jesus, I trust in you.