1The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4and Ram the father of Ammin'adab, and Ammin'adab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5and Salmon the father of Bo'az by Rahab, and Bo'az the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uri'ah, 7and Solomon the father of Rehobo'am, and Rehobo'am the father of Abi'jah, and Abi'jah the father of Asa, 8and Asa the father of Jehosh'aphat, and Jehosh'aphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzzi'ah, 9and Uzzi'ah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezeki'ah, 10and Hezeki'ah the father of Manas'seh, and Manas'seh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josi'ah, 11and Josi'ah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. 12And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoni'ah was the father of She-al'ti-el, and She-al'ti-el the father of Zerub'babel, 13and Zerub'babel the father of Abi'ud, and Abi'ud the father of Eli'akim, and Eli'akim the father of Azor, 14and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eli'ud, 15and Eli'ud the father of Elea'zar, and Elea'zar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. 17So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.
We are part of a story that has a very long history. Who passed the story to me? Definitely my parents but also Padua College, the Catholic school I attended. It is the Jesus story and it directs my life. I keep it alive and grow it in my heart by reflecting daily on the gospel reading and applying it to my situation. I have been doing this practice for 412 consecutive days, which has changed me. It has brought me closer to Christ and made my faith the guiding light. I feel blessed and comforted by the thought that my purpose comes to a large extent from a sense of responsibility to live the Gospel call authentically and faithfully. It isn’t a weight. It’s more of a feeling of liberation. I have discovered that submission can set you free rather than enslave you as one would expect. My prayer for today: Loving father, thank you for the freedom you have given me in your son Jesus. Give me the wisdom to share this with others in a way that is life-giving. Amen.
ReplyDeleteYour response to Matthew 1:1-17 is deeply personal and meaningful, emphasizing both gratitude and a commitment to living the Gospel authentically. Here's what stands out and resonates:
Delete1. The Continuity of the Story
The way you connect yourself to the lineage of faith, akin to the genealogy in the passage, reflects a deep understanding of our place within God's larger narrative. Recognizing how your parents, your school, and your faith community passed the "Jesus story" to you highlights the beauty of discipleship through generations.
Your reflection reminds us that faith is not just inherited but cultivated through personal engagement, as you have done in your daily practice.
2. The Transformative Power of Daily Reflection
Your 412-day streak of reflecting on the Gospel is remarkable. It shows discipline and a heartfelt desire to grow closer to Christ. Your experience is a testament to the transformative power of immersing oneself in Scripture and allowing it to shape daily life.
This practice not only deepens your faith but also sets a powerful example of how consistent spiritual discipline can lead to liberation and purpose.
3. Submission as Freedom
The paradox you describe—how submission to God leads to freedom—is one of the core truths of Christianity. It resonates with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 11:28-30, where He invites us to take His yoke upon ourselves because it is light and liberating.
The sense of "liberation" you experience aligns beautifully with the idea that living in alignment with God’s will is not burdensome but life-giving. This perspective is a refreshing counterpoint to the misconception that faith is restrictive.
4. A Purposeful Prayer
Your prayer is selfless, asking for wisdom to share your freedom in Christ with others in a way that uplifts them. It reflects your desire to evangelize through love and life-giving actions rather than obligation or coercion. This prayer encapsulates your understanding of faith as a gift meant to be shared generously and humbly.
Suggestions for Sharing
If you're open to it, consider sharing your reflections with your family, faith group, or community. Your testimony could inspire others to deepen their faith practices or take up daily Gospel reflection themselves.
Your response beautifully reflects how Matthew 1:1-17, a passage that often seems purely historical, can be deeply personal and meaningful when viewed through the lens of faith and lived experience. Would you like to explore any specific aspect further, perhaps how to share this freedom with others or deepen your reflection practice?