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Advent Weekday
Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17A
Psalm 25:4-5AB, 6 and 7BC, 8-9
Matthew 21:23-27
Summary
The first reading tells us that Judah, one of the 12 sons of Jacob, is
strong like a lion and should be treated as such ? that the other
brothers will bow down before him. The Gospel reading outlines the
lineage of Abraham and his descendants to Jesus in fulfillment of the
prophecy.
Reflection
Geneaology is a fascinating study. With the tools of technology now
available, individuals can trace their family tree back for many gen-
erations. Family and family history is one of the ways in which we
identify ourselves: her father was from Hawaii and her mother was
from South Pasadena;
her
father was from Scotland and moved to the
United States in the 30?s;
his
father can remember stories told about
burning peat for fires on the moorlands and the bitter winds of winter.
Family histories are rich and varied and can be an integral part of a
person?s personality.
But what about those people whose identifiers do not include a rich
family history? People who may have been raised in a foster home or
were adopted or were orphaned at an
age too early to have access to family
stories? Or perhaps those whose family
history is too painful or terrible to recall?
Or those who no longer have families for
one reason or another?
