GN 49:2, 8-10
PS 72:1-2, 3-4AB, 7-8, 17
MT1:1-17
Reading the genealogy of Jesus Christ makes me think of the
generations that have gone before me, particularly my grandmother and the
family celebrations she hosted. During this Advent season, I think about her
beautiful nativity set that we gingerly played with and rearranged as we
marveled at the solemn and delicate figures. Her bright Christmas tree, with
the personalized ornaments for every one of her children and grandchildren. The
welcoming atmosphere that brought boyfriends and girlfriends and friends
without plans was a way we could brag without saying a word—our family is not
just about blood. We know from the story of Jesus’ origin that Joseph agreed to
raise Jesus as his own, but the biology is a little tricky. In our family as
well, we hugged, kissed, and laughed with those we bonded with through love and
blood, friendship and trust.
Family trees are not as linear as this Gospel, and women do
not disappear in our family as they are largely absent from this reading. I was
blessed with strong men and women to look up to, and have gone to parties
exclusively for the women on both my mother’s and father’s side. I am sure the
matrilineal genealogy of Jesus Christ was just as full of women who connected
regularly, supported each other, and loved fiercely as Mary cherished her
cousin Elizabeth. I would hope that Jesus was taken aside by his mother and
gently taught how womenfolk sacrificed and loved and supported generations of
men, some who were kings. She must have taught him so many lessons of
compassion and kindness, to temper the ferocious power Jacob preached to his
son, Judah. Indeed, Jesus’ life is full of stories where he did not exert his
authority or sovereignty, but like a mother, gently guided his children to find
the answers themselves.
In this Monday of the Third Week in Advent, let us remember
how Jesus found a balance to the wrath and command of previous generations with
the benevolence, love, and inclusivity of the feminine influences in his life.
Let us read between the lines of today’s readings to see how Jesus’ coming was
such a turning point in history, not only for Christianity, but for humanity.
Nicole Mispagel is Graduate Programs Assistant in the Office of Graduate Education and Research in Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology.
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