DO YOU MISS YOUR FAMILY?
“A family record of Jesus Christ…” –Matthew 1:1
Today is the first day of the “Second Advent,” December 17-23. This period is akin to the Holy Week of Lent. For the first three weeks of Advent, the emphasis was on the Second Coming of Christ. Now we focus for a week on His first Christmas coming.
Today’s Scripture readings focus particularly on establishing the kingly identity of Christ. The genealogy of Jesus establishes that He is descended directly from King David (Mt 1:6, 17). He is also descended from Judah, whose tribe is kingly in nature (Gn 49:9-10). He shall reign with justice and profound peace, forever (Ps 72:1-2, 7).
The genealogy also shows that the line of Jesus is seriously flawed. Women prior to the Blessed Virgin Mary are only mentioned if there is some kind of embarrassment (Mt 1:3, 5, 6). Yet the genealogy also shows hope, for God transforms everything to a glorious outcome. Jesus enters our human existence as a Redeemer and transforms the family tree. So Jesus is not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters (Heb 2:11; 11:16).
I’ve noticed over the decades that people tend to nod off or lose interest during the reading of the genealogy of Jesus at Mass. Yet tracing family history has become immensely popular during the digital age. DNA tracing shows whose children you are — people search for fathers, mothers, grandparents. They feel something is missing or incomplete until they know who they are.
As a child of God, Jesus is in your DNA. If you feel something is missing in your life, reach out to Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Is 9:5). You are a member of the family of God, and Jesus is your missing link. Meet Jesus, and discover who you are (Mt 10:39).
PRAYER: Jesus, whenever I am missing peace in my life, may I reach out to You, the Prince of Peace.
PROMISE: “In [Jesus] shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim His happiness.” –Ps 72:17
PRAISE: “O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, You govern all creation with Your strong yet tender care.”
