Monday of the 1st Week of Advent
Isa 4:2-6
Mt 8:5-1
“I tell you solemnly, nowhere in Israel have I found faith like this.”
Have you watched the Netflix hit series ‘The Chosen’? Set in 1st Century Galilee, the show chronicles the adult life of Jesus. Season 1 was released in April 2019. It starts with Jesus building his ministry by inviting various people with different backgrounds to follow him as his disciples. Season 5 just ended in August 2025. In the final episode, Jesus and his apostles were at the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas brought the Pharisees and their soldiers to confront the group. In the gripping climax, Judas steps forward and plants a kiss on Jesus….
This quality film series has been a resounding box office success. Seasons 4 and 5 garnered at least 200 million viewers. Yet, this series had humble beginnings, and was created and funded by FAITH. Without major film studio backing, the financing for Seasons 1 to 3 was mainly through crowdfunding. Eventually, its success opened up other sources of funding for the subsequent seasons.
Today’s gospel reading from Matthew 8:5-11 is all about faith. When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached and pleaded with him to heal his servant boy, who was dying. When Jesus agreed to go with him, the centurion answered, “Sir, I am not worthy to have you under my roof; just give me the word and my servant will be cured”. Jesus was astonished and praised his immense faith. Today, we remember the centurion’s words before receiving Holy Communion. We pray, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
This story was beautifully depicted in episode 4 of The Chosen, Season 4. The centurion was named Gaius, and the servant boy was actually his illegitimate son, whom he loved. Simon Peter brings Gaius to meet Jesus in Matthew’s house. All the apostles were there and Gaius, in all humility, knelt before our Lord to ask for healing. The poignancy of the scene moved me to tears. Seeing the words spoken in the scene made them come alive for me. At that moment, I realised what having true faith really means. It is asking with the utmost belief that anything Jesus commands in this world will happen.
Sadly, I do not have such faith yet. At least I know now, the level I need to strive to. Hopefully, I can pray more to ask Jesus to help me do better!
(Today’s OXYGEN by Andrew Sia)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray that you help us have true faith in you, to believe that all things will happen according to your will.
Thanksgiving: Thank You Lord, for giving us such a wonderful prayer of faith to say before receiving your body and blood in Holy Communion.
OXYGEN 
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