💖 HOMILY - DECEMBER 17 💖

First Reading: Genesis 49:2,8-10

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17

Our lineage often tells a story of who we are and where we come from. It holds memories of triumphs and struggles, victories and failures, and gives us a lens to see the past while hoping for a brighter future. Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the lineage of Jesus—a lineage that mirrors the human experience of rises and falls, yet is ultimately a story of God’s redemptive plan and unshakable hope.

The first reading brings us to the prophecy of Judah’s unending reign among his brothers. This blessing and prophecy from Jacob becomes the foundation for Israel’s hope. It finds partial fulfillment in King David, a man from Judah’s tribe, whose reign was marked by strength and faith. Yet the ultimate fulfillment comes with Jesus Christ, the King whose reign knows no end and who continues to rule in the hearts of those who trust Him.

The Gospel today may seem tedious at first glance, with its lengthy genealogy. But beneath the surface lies a profound story rich in theology and meaning. Matthew’s genealogy serves several purposes. First, it establishes Jesus’ legitimacy as the descendant of David and Abraham, fulfilling the promises made to both. Jesus is the Messiah, rooted firmly in Israel’s history and destiny.

Second, this genealogy reveals the extraordinary ways God works through the ordinary, the flawed, and even the sinful. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary—each of these women played a critical role in Israel’s history. Their inclusion in the genealogy is remarkable because it highlights how God uses the unexpected and the marginalized to achieve His purposes. These names remind us that God’s plans are not limited by human weakness or societal norms.

Moreover, the genealogy traces the ups and downs of Israel’s history, from Abraham to David, through the exile, and finally to Christ. It is a story of sin and grace, failure and redemption, showing how God continuously brings good out of every situation. The lineage of Jesus is not pristine but filled with flawed individuals, yet it culminates in the perfect Savior. This reminds us that God writes straight with crooked lines, using every event and every person to bring about His plan of salvation.

Dear friends, what does this mean for us? The genealogy of Jesus speaks to our own lives. Like His lineage, our lives are a mixture of successes and failures, virtues and sins. Yet God does not abandon us. He weaves even our brokenness into His greater plan, turning our falls into opportunities for grace. No matter how messy our past may seem, God can transform it into a story of redemption.

As we journey through Advent, let us take heart from the message of hope in these readings. God did not give up on humanity, even when faced with its sinfulness, and He does not give up on us. Instead, He invites us to learn from our past, to trust in His providence, and to look forward with hope. Jesus, Immanuel—God with us—is the assurance that we are never alone, and His presence strengthens us through every trial.

May we remain steadfast in hope, trusting that God is at work in our lives, shaping us for a better tomorrow.