Reading the genealogy of Jesus always felt tedious – like finding a dust filled box of old family photos in the attic and not feeling any connection. Until I listened to the Bible in a Year podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz, I yawned through this reading each year. After getting through the whole Old Testament, I had an appreciation for those who came before Jesus. They were people like me, not just names.
Jesus was born into an imperfect family just like us. He probably had crazy uncles, strange aunts, and uncomfortable holiday dinners just like we do. In becoming one of us, God chose to come here in a family with all that that includes. The Old Testament is his family history and it gives us perspective on the present. We get clarity by seeing what came before us. It shows us how loving our God is. He doesn’t demand perfection and that’s great because none of us can achieve it.
I know my family has faults but he has entered in and done beautiful things in our hearts. I know that I am not worthy that he should enter under my roof, but he has, just as he has since the beginning of time, and for that I am grateful.
The Bible is the story of salvation and that story is still being written. Its cast of characters includes amazing and not-so-amazing people and Jesus’ family falls in there. It’s good to honor them by saying their names. It’s worth our time to read the story of all the people we heard about in today’s Gospel. It’s our story too.
Daily Reading
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Reading I Mi 5:1-4a Thus says the LORD: You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for…
Saint of the Day
Blessed Jacopone da Todi
Jacopone da Todi, “Crazy Jim,” transformed from a worldly man to a devoted Franciscan, known for “Stabat Mater” hymn and spiritual courage.
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