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Monday, December 17, 2018

Reflection for Monday, December 17, 2018

Monday of the Third Week in Advent

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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