Saint Luke's genealogy of Jesus differs from that of Saint Matthew, which must throw confusion into the hearts of those who look to the scriptures for precise historical information. And, at least in our English translations, it lacks Matthew's poetry and subtlety, which might be why it's offered on a Saturday morning when not many attend Mass. The names don't leap at us with recognition until we get to Noah, Seth, Adam, and God.
Both Gospels insist upon Jesus's Jewish origins, and that he is the fulfillment of the ancient messianic prophecies. God's word is true, despite whatever misgivings we might hold about the religion's hoary traditions, archaic language, and outdated rules and regulations. Our faith is both Good News for us, and an ancient truth revealed.
Equally important to Saint Luke is the Messiah's descent from Adam. He is a brother to every human being, no matter where they might be, what language they speak, or god they worship. There are no alien human beings in God's creation; we are all children of Adam the disobedient and Eve the foolish.
And Jesus, whom we announce as Savior and Lord, is ashamed of no one. He embraces every human being; his Good News is for the nations.
Luke adds two more factoids about Jesus, "he was about thirty years of age;" and "He was the son, as was thought, of Joseph." The second is more important, as we've already heard of his unprecedented virgin birth. We should make no mistake about that. He is like Adam, a direct Son of God with no human father.
Church historians discuss whether the Angel's expression, "the Son of the Most High," means that he is the only begotten Second Person of the Holy Trinity. That doctrine would not be clearly defined until the fourth century, and after much disputation.
That he was about thirty years of age is one of the few descriptions of the Lord. We're given little more about his body. How tall was he? Ruddy or fair? Shaven or bearded? Eye color? We can suppose his continual travelling on foot made him slender and sinewy. His presence was commanding, and that would suggest his being tall to some people. But history provides many stories of powerful short people, like Pablo Picasso, Harry Houdini, and Napoleon.
The Evangelists apparently neglect those curious facts about Jesus in order to give us the more important message: he is a man for everyone; he is no stranger to anyone. He suffered like you and me, and died as we all must die.
But he was raised up by the Mercy of God and given to us as our Savior and Lord. This Son of Eve is my brother, and I love him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
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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.