Thursday of the
Third Week of Advent
(Genesis 49:2.8-10; Matthew 1:1-17)
Genealogists study genealogies. They know how to ferret out data from records
that most of us overlook. Genealogists
tell us that all of us have famous ancestors.
They claim that we are all descendants of Julius Cesar or another legendary
figure of the past. They say that
satisfaction comes not from that fact but from proving it.
No one is a physical descendant of Jesus because he did
not have children. But we can all claim
him as a relative in two ways. By the
wide net of relationships that genealogies make, everyone on earth is a
descendant of some ancestor of Jesus. More
importantly, we can claim him as a relative when we act like him. When we strive to proclaim the Father’s love,
our relationship with Jesus can be seen and felt.
Today’s readings speak of genealogy. The first foretells David’s and Jesus’ being
descendants of Judah. As Judah was a
strong man who defeated his enemies, they too will overcome opposition. The gospel traces Jesus’ lineage through
David and Judah to Abraham. It shows us
that God has carefully planned the coming of His Son. Likewise, it assures that staying in
relationship with Jesus will bring us God’s favor.
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