Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Mass Readings

The readings today remind us of the breadth of salvation history. Jacob, whom God has renamed Israel is dying. He calls his sons together and tells them that Judah will be the number one son after he is gone. Indeed Jacob says, “You, Judah, your brothers shall praise.“ (Gen. 49:8). This is a play on words as Judah means “you shall be praised”, however it alludes to the prominent role which the tribe of Judah will play. In Judah is found Jerusalem and from Judah arises King David, through whose lineage Jesus comes to us. Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus may be a challenge to the one who is hearing or proclaiming it, yet it is a who’s who of salvation history. Although Judaism is passed down through women; this ancestry is making the point that Jesus is from the house of David. Ironically, there are four women listed in this genealogy. A patient reading of this lineage of Jesus reveals the profound connection of Jesus to his Jewish roots. Sometimes we forget Jesus was Jewish. We too are rooted, through Jesus, to our Jewish brothers and sisters to whom we owe much honor and respect. In the deepest sense we are Judeo-Christian. However, Matthew’s point is that God’s love and compassion are not limited to any nation, gender, creed or generation.

The ruler from the first reading is Judah, and Jesus “who is called the Christ” (Matthew 1:16) is from the lineage of King David. In the psalm today, the king will bring judgment, justice and peace. It continues describing the king as one who will “defend the afflicted among the people,” and “save the children of the poor.” (Psalm 72:4)

As our Advent journey continues, let us remember the God is at work in our world today, as in generations past. So as we await the joyful return of our king, we live as people of hope and like the king in today’s psalm live as people of compassion. Watch for an opportunity to do a corporal work of mercy today, so we like the people of old can be God’s light for this generation.

- Michael Montgomery