The Book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham (Mt 1:1).
Many may gloss over the long genealogy of names that follows verse one. Matthew certainly had a reason, Luke also had his, as did other ancient writers for compiling genealogical lists. Those reasons are interesting in and of themselves, but I wanted to key in on something basic we may miss if we quickly pass over Jesus’ bloodline.
Matthew placed the context of the incarnation of the Son of God in history, time, and place. Jesus belonged to a people. All of us, as human beings, have the same desire and yearning for belonging. Knowing where we came from, sharing stories of our families, of our culture, ethnicity, race, language, customs, celebrations, rituals, and religion, provide a place for us, provide stability and security. On the flip side, the more we lose the connectedness to our roots, the more we may feel adrift. The need to belong is primal.
Matthew shared and shares again for us in today’s readings the roots of Jesus’ genealogy, for they are our’s as well. He invites us to hear them again, to recognize our place in the same saga of salvation history. The Church chose this Gospel today as we remember and celebrate the nativity of Mary. All of the Bible, as a part of Sacred Tradition, is the story of Mary and our ancestors who encountered God and shared their stories. They passed them on, generation after generation, to provide for us a foundation, so we can know that we are never alone, that we have a place, that we are a people, we stand in solidarity with one another, that we belong.
Let us continue to show that solidarity through prayer and support for those already affected by Harvey and Irma, and those of us who may be affected by Irma tomorrow and in the days to come. In Jesus’ name, “Peace be still!”
Link for Mass readings for today:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/bible/matthew/1:1
Photo credit:
Spiritual Stepping Stones 