December 17, Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Daily Readings: Genesis 49:2, 8-10 & Matthew 1:1-17
Every human being has genealogy and knows where their ancestors came from. Today's gospel reading tells us about the genealogy of Jesus. Through Jesus' genealogy, we come to know His ancestors and their roots. In His human nature, Jesus is the direct descent of Abraham and David and the rightful heir to David's throne. The promise that God would send a Savior to Abraham and David to govern the house of Israel and to deliver them from their foes came to fulfillment when Jesus came. Therefore, the coming of Jesus is the fulfillment of all God's promises to Israelites.
When Jacob imparted blessing with his sons, he prophesied that Judah would receive the promise of royalty which we see fulfilled in David (Genesis 49:10). In this sanctification, we can also see a foreshadowing of God's fulfillment in lifting his anointed King, Jesus the Messiah. Jesus is the fulfillment of all God's promises. He is the hope not only for the people of the Old Covenant but also for all nations. He is the Savior of the world who redeems us from slavery to sin and Satan and makes us citizens of the kingdom of God. In him we receive adoption into a royal priesthood and holy nation as sons and daughters of the living God (1 Peter 1:9).
The coming of Jesus is placed within the Israelite people, the descendants of Abraham and Sarah. The list includes saint and sinner, honest and corrupt, reflecting God's gracious choices. God could work through all kinds of people. It expresses to us that Jesus was fully inserted into the human story with its gifts and failures. Seeing that, why would we be surprised at Jesus' choice of disciples or that he was at home with tax collectors and sinners?
In an age where many are interested in their roots, would I be happy with that background of Jesus? Where do I find my identity? Lord, assist me to accept the gifts and limits of my life and let you work through them so that I am more firmly rooted in you. How do I see my call to follow Jesus in the light of that genealogy?
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
