The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ,
the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Everyone who saw the movie Starwars remembers its special effects, beginning with a panel of words, a chronicle of stellar history which seemed to float away from us and into the unfathoable depths of space. Scanning them the reader catches up with that moment when a vehicle with Princess Leia flees from the storm troopers' ominous battleship.
Saint Matthew's genealogy of Jesus has the same effect. Before the Christ appears, Jews and Gentiles must be brought up to date with the history of this moment. It is a long and complicated story, and that should be no surprise to any student of history. The more I study history, both human and natural, the more I realize things didn't have to evolve as they have. People made decisions and those decisions had consequences which no mortal could foresee.
For that matter, scientists tell us, the Earth has a place in the universe, with a history of cosmic rays and meteoric showers. Prehistoric astronomical events affect our present moment. Nothing in the Solar System explains why ours should be "the third rock from the Sun;' but if it weren't, we would not be here to celebrate it. If the Moon had not taken its lovely place in our sky, life might never have appeared on this muddy planet.
If reflections like that leave you cold, you'll be warmed by Saint Matthew's Book of the Genealogy. He assures us that God has foreseen all things and His plan must find its moment. No power in this world can oppose him.
Have there been moments of uncertainty? No question! Abraham was 90 years old before his ancient wife gave birth to their only son, the feeble-minded Isaac. King David committed a heinous crime when he murdered Bathsheba's husband and took her for his wife. That should have knocked the plan off its course, but God would not be foiled. Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks and Romans -- to name a few -- battered Jerusalem with barbarities. Even now, Matthew would point out, a Great King Herod will slaughter his subjects. As horrible as that is, Wisdom, Justice and Mercy can not be suppressed.
In the end we will sing, "O death, where is thy sting?" As we hear the sonorous repetitative drumbeat of begot -- (I really don't like the expression, "became the father of" because it makes no sense) -- we prepare to watch history unfold like a scroll appearing in a mystic sky.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.