It's such a moving and inspiring vision: people forgetting their differences and all converging on God's holy mountain to learn God's ways. Not only that, they stop making weapons and turn to peaceful pursuits as they begin to learn the ways of peace. We might ask when all of this is going to happen - the prophecy was written so long ago and we still have so much violence and injustice in our world. But the vision represents God's will and God's hope for the world and humanity. It will begin to happen when we ourselves begin to make it happen. We can learn the ways of peace and be peacemakers wherever we are. This means practising non-violence in word, thought, and action, as well as the gifts of compassion and forgiveness. Wherever we begin to practise these things - even imperfectly - God is present and will begin to work with us. We are all the instruments of God's love and peace.

The centurion is a fine example of how universal God's teachings are. He is a pagan and an officer in the hated occupying Roman army. But he clearly has an understanding of Israel's God and a deep respect. His faith - according to his own lights - amazes Jesus. By showing the teachings of Jesus in the way we live, we too, can serve as an inspiration to many. Some may be moved to share our values and our example.