Greetings on this the Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Gn 49:2, 8-10; PS 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17
Notes: I was explaining to someone yesterday that sacred Scripture is storytelling at its finest.
I don’t mean fictional storytelling or the telling of lies (a common slang definition).
It is the art of the Oral Tradition to tell the story again and again then brought to paper in the Written Tradition.
In many cases, the stories are refined literary genius communicating great and powerful truth.
In other cases, it is the memory of our Ancestors, those who came before us.
This past week of Re-joy the church gave you example Sir 48:1-4, 9-11, Praise of the Ancients.
Soon we’ll re-encounter the entire book of Exodus!
But today we listen to a different story.
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham (Matthew).
From Abraham, the Father of Nations, to Jesus.
This genealogy doesn’t contain everyone.
The purpose is to treat it as an Index or Table of Contents to the stories and personalities of the Ancients.
Their stories.
Their communities.
The storytelling is never perfect in fact but perfect in spirit and intention.
Their children, of which comes Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.
First reading
Jacob called his sons and said to them: “Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob, listen to Israel, your father.
Responsorial Psalm
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Alleluia Verse
O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!
Gospel Portion
Tell your story to your children.
Of grandparents, great-grands and as much as can be remembered.
Tell again the story of the Birth of Jesus.
Jesus’ family is your family too.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 