Homily: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mt. 1:1-16) “Who Came Before Me?”

We notice in the genealogy of Jesus that there are several women who were mentioned who were of questionable reputation. Tamar was a prostitute who seduced Judah. Ruth was not Hebrew she was a Moabite. Soloman’s mother was Bathsheba who was stolen away from her husband by King David.

What are we to make of all this? I am reminded about a program on public television. Famous personalities are contacted, and they are asked if they want their family tree traced. The producers of the program comb historical documents and do DNA testing to find out who the ancestors of the famous person are.

Since the United States is a nation of immigrants most of us only know who our ancestors were a couple of generations back. Most of us had relatives who came here from another country. Most of our history had been lost.

The television program hands the celebrity a detailed family history with pictures and records. The person who receives the history is usually surprised by much of what is presented. In the family tree are rogues and heroes. The family history is usually received by the person featured in the program with awe.

Each man or woman realizes that many twists of faith have taken place that have led to them being the person that they are. We are reminded when we examine our ancestry how much we have been touched by forces beyond our control. We are also reminded of how human we are.

What the genealogy of Jesus reveals is that he was fully human as well as fully divine. His relatives were not perfect in every way but there were sinners as well as saints. This was in Jesus’ DNA. He was preserved from sin, but his family wasn’t.

What is also apparent is that God can achieve his purposes in very unorthodox ways. God writes straight with crooked lines. That is the way things worked for Jesus. And it is the way things often unfold for us. God’s providence is always at work in our life.

Reflection Questions:

1.    What do I know about my great grandparents? Have I ever been curious as to what they are like?

2.   Were my ancestors people of faith? Did they pass their faith along to me?

Dear Parishioners,

          This weekend we will be having our Annual Diocesan Stewardship appeal kick off. We need everyone in the parish to help by contributing. These monies are used to support diocesan programs like our marriage tribunal, seminary program and diaconate program. The diocese also supports our Catholic schools.

          This is the major fund raiser for the year for the Diocese of Peoria. If you received your pledge card in the mail, please mail the card in. If you have not received a card, you will receive one this weekend.

          Let’s pray that this appeal will be a success.

          May Our Lady pray for us,

          Fr. Mark