Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.
Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations.(Matthew 1:16-17 NABRE)
The gospel of Matthew begins with a genealogy of Jesus starting with Abraham, the father of Israel. Yet at the beginning of that genealogy Jesus is designated as “the son of David, the son of Abraham”. The kingly ancestor who lived about a thousand years after Abraham is named first, for this is the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the royal anointed one.*
Matthew is concerned with fourteen generations, probably because fourteen is the numerical value of the Hebrew letters forming the name of David.*
Lord Jesus, your family tree extends back many generations from Joseph and Mary, through Joseph's father, Jacob, to David and even back to Abraham. At the time of your birth, your people expected an earthly king to lead them back to a position of power in the world. Jesus, you were a surprise! Even with your legitimate claim, your circumstances were humble and you came to serve not to be served. Thank you for your presence among us and for your example. Teach me each day to turn back to your perfect example and to look forward to your return. And as I wait, may your Spirit never leave my side.
Today, I will recall Jesus' ancestry back to King David and to Abraham.
Saint Hildegard of Bingen, who was inspired by the Holy Spirit to develop the gifts you received from God, pray for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment