Saturday, December 17, 2022
Genesis 49: 2, 8-10
Psalm 72: 1-8
Matthew 1:1-7, 17
In the reading from Genesis, Jacob blesses Judah highlighting Judah’s rise as the royal household: “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet” (Gen. 4:10). The gospel from Matthew begins with, “An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matt. 1:1). This genealogy situates Jesus in direct line with David of the royal household of Judah. But Jesus is a far different ruler than others.
In the Psalm text, we find the kind of ruler or Messiah the people prayed for and what we find embodied in Jesus. They desired someone who would: “judge people righteously and the poor with justice” (Psalm 72:2); and “defend the cause of the poor of the people, deliver the needy, and crush the oppressor” (v.4).
The Psalm continues: “In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon shall be no more” (v.7). This is the work that Jesus has left us to do: to bring about his reign on earth so that all may dwell in peace and justice. Are you of Jesus’ line and genealogy? Jesus said, “whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matt 12:50).
What will you do this Advent to help bring Christ’s vision of peace and justice to the world? Come, O Christ, and help us follow in your footsteps and be true children of God.
Sr. Elizabeth Ann Eckert, SSJD
