THE WORD BECOME FLESH

Friday in the third week of Advent, 2021

Gen 49: 2.8-10

Ps 72

Matt 1:1-17

Genealogy of Jesus

Dear friends in Christ, today we begin the second part of the season of Advent. The liturgy of these remaining days to Christmas, focuses on the first coming of Christ, which we celebrate at Christmas. The coming is so close now, that the material preparations for the celebration of the Saviour’s birth is at its peak, the spiritual preparation must also be stepped up so that we might have a great celebration.

Today’s first reading (Genesis 49:2.8-10) tells us of how from the time of Jacob, he had blessed Judah specially from among his sons saying, “Judah, your brothers shall praise you, your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies, your father’s sons shall bow down before you…The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” One cannot overlook the blessings of a father upon his sons. By this blessing, Judah became the line through which the sceptre will be passed to the Messiah. Judah’s special calling then means that he will receive the praise and homage of others. The gospel evangelists tell us that Jesus actually came from the line of Judah.

In the gospel of today (Matthew 1:1-17) we see clearly the grand scale of God’s plan of salvation for the world. Matthew traces the journey and history of salvation back to our father in faith—Abraham, and gives the progression through the different generations, how God had chosen to fulfill his promise without fail to save us. The huge numbers of generations which he divided into fourteen each, speaks of the greatness of God’s plan and love. Varying types of people appear in this genealogy including men, women, leaders, prophets, survivors of exiles and even sinners. Each one had his or her role to play in the coming of the Messiah. How prepared are you for the coming of the Messiah? Matthew places great emphasis on the family line of Jesus. The family comes to the fore in the celebration of Christmas. It’s time to think of our families and to get in touch with them in the celebration of the coming of the Messiah. The greatest support structure you can have is a good family. We must use this season to think of our contribution to the family in which God has placed us. What kind of support do we render to each other and how are you contributing to the good of your family?

Let us pray: Grant us your grace, Lord, that our families may be built up with the life of Christ within them, that each and every member may bring to the lives of others an experience of God’s greatness, love and forgiveness. Amen.

+Remain blessed