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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
3rd
Tuesday in Advent
St. Luke Institute
December 17, 2013
THE UNEXPECTED +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
In our personal reading of scripture, we are
likely to skip over genealogies and assume there is nothing interesting in them
Ø
Matthew’s genealogy tells a very different and
somewhat colorful story
Ø
In this list of names, God’s grace is at work in
ways we might not expect
1ST
PATRIARCHS +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
The patriarchs are the first group of people in
the genealogy
Ø
Not everyone in that list is noble or saintly
Ø
Jacob, for instance, stole his father’s blessing
2ND KINGS
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Israel’s kings make up the second group
Ø
The kings reflect the best and the worst of
Israel
Ø
Among those listed are idolaters, murderers, and
adulterers like King David
3RD THE
UNKNOWN ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Unknown people make up the third group
Ø
Even among the unknown God is at work in people
others might consider forgettable
4TH WOMEN ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Finally, the women in this genealogy have
marital histories that include scandal, sarcasm, and scorn
CONCLUSION
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
So, yes, Jesus has an interesting family tree
Ø
Perhaps if it were ours, we would not want it published
Ø
But what is important is that in this family
tree we see how God’s grace is at work through saint and sinner
Ø
It invites us to see how God’s grace works
through sinners and the unknown around us, and even through us, in unexpected
ways
Ø
We look and notice we may be in for some
surprises!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
