Delivered by Christiana Anugrani from the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indoensia. Isaiah 2: 1-5; Rs psalm 122: 1-2.3-4a; Matthew 8: 5-11.

PEOPLE FROM ALLCORNERS OF THE WORLD HEAR THE LORD'S CALL

The title for our meditation today is: People from All Corners of theWorld Hear the Lord's Call. The priest's sermon at the Mass of the first Sundayof Advent focused on the theme of self-preparation. In conclusion, he said thatin the end there are two groups of people who respond to God's call about doingpreparation. Those who prepare themselves are those who truly andwholeheartedly welcome the Lord. While those who don't prepare are those whodon't welcome wholeheartedly.

After the Mass therewas a discussion in a family. A mother brought some good news for the wholefamily. Her husband and children almost believed that the mother was planning aChristmas party at home, guests to be invited, and the New Year celebration forall the extended families. But it turned out that the good news from the motherwas not of their expectation. However, that news would not disturb their Christmas and New Year celebration.

The good news is thattheir close neighbor family consisting of husband, wife and three childrendecided to join the Catholic Church. They were non Catholics yet. The motherwho is also a parochial activist would help them to register as catechumens andto accompany them during the period of catechumenate. What a good news comingat the beginning of Advent! Today our readings proclaim about all corners ofthe world listening to the voice of God's call, and they follow it.

From a particularpoint of view, those who are usually expected to listen to God and showobedience to Him are those who believe and are included as members in theChurch. It is similar to say that children are required to behave well and areobedient to their parents. Expecting such attitudes from children of otherfamilies and even strangers is certainly impossible. The book of the prophetIsaiah clearly illustrates that a select group of people and the chosen onesare the successors to maintain the glory in the house of God.

In this house, theLord Jesus Christ dwells as the glorious king, the king of all people. The LordJesus indeed perfects the call to all people on earth. He was sent by theFather to everyone, and not only to a group of people. Thus, the foreigner anda non Jewish person like the officer in Capernaum also had his place in theLord's heart. He Instead represents the humanity from all corners of the earthwho hear and come to meet the Lord. This non believer officer reminds all of usthat in this Advent season we are required to listen and come to God to receiveblessings from Him.

Let's pray. In the name of the Father... God almighty, fill our lives with Your Spirit that we may grow moreactively in making preparations to welcome the coming of Your Kingdom. HailMary, full of grace ... In the name of the Father ...