Good morning and welcome to our Advent moment podcast.   Thanks to Mary Tyrrell for sharing a short reflection on todays Gospel from   Matthew 8:5-11 'I am not worthy to have you under my roof: give the word, and my servant will be healed' This story tells of the faith of the Roman centurion who had seen Jesus in action teaching and healing people. The soldier was a foreigner in Capernaum yet he believed that the word of God could reach across time, space and prejudices. We’re told Jesus was amazed by this Gentile’s faith. His faith truly demonstrates the universality of the kingdom of God which is for everyone from the East and the West. Jesus wants all people to have faith so wherever Jesus finds faith he inevitably praises it. In Advent as we journey towards Bethlehem and the birth of the Prince of Peace, we have four weeks to think about how I, as a follower of Jesus, am continuing God’s work of peace and love for everyone everywhere. I am challenged, by this reading, to reflect on the question how is my faith life growing? Let us bring this question to our hearts as we pray together:  Our Father, Who art in heaven,  Hallowed be Thy Name.  Thy Kingdom come.  Thy Will be done,  on earth as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses,  as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from evil. Amen.  Loving God may I welcome all my brothers and sisters from East and West with whom I share my faith. It is so difficult to be a foreigner in a strange land no matter how they have travelled to arrive here. A smile can mean so much and can be the beginning of a real friendship. In these four weeks help me to welcome and get to know at least one new stranger /parishioner so that we will eventually build the family of God in our place. Amen  Thank you for joining us today.     #advent #podcast #reflection #religion #spirituality #faith #christmas