family matters
“A family record of Jesus Christ...” —Matthew 1:1
Wait! Don’t skip the genealogy! Because we love the Lord, we can’t wait to learn more about Him. Here are a few things God reveals about Himself in St. Matthew’s genealogy:
- Jesus Christ is “truly God and truly man,” God made man (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 467-468, 470).
- Jesus is God, the Messiah, born of a virgin (Mt 1:16, 18).
- Family comes first — these are the first verses of the New Testament, and God can’t wait to introduce His family.
- God works through people — lots of them.
- God loves families. Jesus lived in one for thirty years.
- Some family members are extraordinary (e.g. Mary, Joseph, David); others are faithful (e.g. Ruth, Josiah); some are nondescript (e.g. Eliud, Azor); others are despicable (e.g. Manasseh, Rehoboam). Jesus considers them all His family. God’s plan was accomplished through each one.
- Some, like Ruth and Rahab, were outsiders but were welcomed into God’s family for their loving faithfulness.
- God is pro-life. He loves fathers, mothers, and children.
- God has a place in His plan for every baby, including those born of prostitution (Perez — Mt 1:3; Gn 38:1-30), injustice (Solomon — Mt 1:6; 2 Sm 11:1-27), and mixed marriages (Obed — Mt 1:5; Ru 4:5ff).
- God is patient. His plan may take a long time to unfold.
- “God is not ashamed to be called their God” (Heb 11:16) and Jesus is not ashamed of His family. He loves them.
“Beloved, we are God’s children now” (1 Jn 3:2). Let us love our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Prayer: Father, thank You for adopting me into Your family! May I please You and bring honor to Your family name.
Promise: “The scepter shall never depart from Judah.” —Gn 49:10
Praise: “O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, You govern all creation with Your strong yet tender care.”
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from December 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 14, 2020"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.