Fourth Sunday of Advent (Mt. 1:18-24) “Wisdom, Age, Grace
Fourth Sunday of Advent (Mt. 1:18-24) “Wisdom, Age, Grace”
When we hear about how Jesus interacted with people in the Gospels, we are probably impressed by his compassion. Where did he learn to be compassionate? Could it have been from his parents? Our perception of God is often a reflection of how we view our parents. If our parents were demanding, if they pushed us toward perfection, then that might be how we think God is. If our parents were patient with us, if they saw what was best in us, then we probably believe that is what our heavenly parent is like.
When we read the story of Mary’s surprise pregnancy, our minds may turn to the 8th Chapter of John. We find there the story of the woman who is accused of adultery. The woman is brought to the adult Jesus by a crowd of self-righteous people. The law of Moses, according to them, demanded that she be put to death by stoning. Jesus was faced with a dilemma. Would he offer a rigid interpretation of the law? Or would he be compassionate to the woman?
We know the rest of the story. Jesus said to those who were gathered. “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone.” What influenced Jesus to offer this judgement? We could say that he was drawing on the divine wisdom that he had at his disposal, which could very well be true. But the wisdom might have come from Jesus’ personal experience too.
What if Jesus was influenced by the story of his own birth? What if the example Joseph set was something that Jesus absorbed and applied the rest of his life including the situations he encountered in ministry? Why would this be surprising? Jesus was human. We are told that he constantly grew in wisdom, age and grace as it says in Luke 2: 52.
At some point when Jesus was growing up, he learned of his own birth story. The family secret was revealed. We all live in families. If we examine our family history, we have events that are barely mentioned because they might be a little embarrassing. When we are young, we don’t think much about the incongruities that are a part of family story. But as we grow older, we start asking hard questions. Eventually, our parents feel we are ready for the truth. From the earliest days of Christian history there were rumors about Jesus’ lineage. Jesus must have known that Mary, at one point was accused of infidelity. Not everyone was going to believe that Mary became pregnant because of divine intervention. Jesus, then, we can surmise, had empathy for women who were attacked because of unplanned pregnancy.
Jesus learned many other lessons from his birth story that impacted his life. He learned, for example, the trust that marriage demands. Mary and Joseph were faced with a crisis just as they began their married life. The first reaction seemed logical. Why not divorce? But instead of doing that they took time to discern what they should do. The two of them didn’t take an obvious course. Mary and Joseph sought God’s plan for their relationship. And they saw that there was a greater good that needed to be served. All this required a tremendous confidence in God.
Jesus also learned a lesson about how to apply religious law. Joseph taught him about that. We can apply a religious law rigidly. We can say there is right and there is wrong, there is black and there is white. On the other hand, we can apply religious law with charity. The church often calls this a pastoral application of the law. Such a course is frowned upon by many. Such people would say that this renders religious law useless. We can fall into relativism. Worse yet, we might start to believe in situational morality. St. Joseph might be accused of both. And Jesus, his foster son, might be accused of both.
Yes, we can speculate, that Jesus’ life experience impacted how he chose to go about ministry. We might criticize his approach. But if we are truthful, we have to say when we fall into sin because of our human weakness we are reassured by the great mercy the Lord shows to the most egregious of sinners.
As Advent draws to a close, we remember that we have a compassionate savior. Perhaps we need understanding and absolution today. If we feel that we do, we might make time to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We will have several opportunities to receive the grace of the Sacrament this week. What better Christmas gift could we receive then God’s mercy?
Reflection Questions:
1. Do I think Jesus’ religious thinking was influenced by Mary and Joseph? Why or why not?
2. What other stories of Jesus’ ministry reflect his charity? Have I experienced the Lord’s compassion?
Dear Parishioners,
As we celebrate Christmas, I find it time to rejoice in thanksgiving. The past year has been full of blessings for our parish. The COVID 19 pandemic has lessened allowing us to resume a more active parish life. Our new Gathering Center is nearing completion. Soon we will be able to use it. We anticipate it being blessed on March 18th. Tables and chairs and appliances are being ordered. This is all exciting. We also remember that a couple weeks ago two new deacons were welcomed by our parish. The talents they bring to our parish will enrich our life together.
With all these blessings we are also aware of the continued crisis in the world. The war in Ukraine rages on and our brothers and sisters are struggling to stay warm in the cold of winter. We are reminded that despots still try to slaughter innocents because of their selfish desires. Our planet continues to warm which causes natural disaster and famine in many parts of the world. We pray for all who are in need. Our world will never be perfect, but the Incarnation of Jesus gives us hope.
As the year draws to a close, I would like to thank our parish staff who do so much for us; our office staff Suzie Budde and Melissa Hoffman, our DRE Debbie Patronagio, DeAnn Gandia our financial officer, Bobbie Vidmar who coordinates our Centennial Campaign, Jesus Vargas the head of Maintenance staff and Maria Sancen and Jose Rodriguez, Cheryl Bolt and all our musicians. I also thank Sr. Kathleen and Fr. Matthew, Deacon Matthew Martel and Deacon Mike Maynard. Please thank them yourself. Without them our parish would not be the wonderful place it is. Working for the church is never easy.
Thanks to all of you for your Christmas greetings and gifts. It is my privilege to serve as your pastor.
Merry Christmas
Fr. Mark