Word to the Wise
Thursday, December 18, 2014 -
[Jeremiah 23:5-8 and Matthew 1:18-25]This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothedd to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. [Matthew]
[From December 17 to 24, the scriptures may change. My reflections are based on the particular date, e.g. December 18]
There was more than one story about Jesus' conception and birth circulating in the early Christian community. There was a persistent rumor that Jesus was illegitimate Matthew's gospel reflects one way this was dealt with. Luke's gospel reflects a different one. Both speak of the role of the Holy Spirit. However, Matthew deals with the immediate question of Mary's "delicate condition" that comes about before she lives with Joseph! In Matthew, the angel speaks to Joseph and not to Mary. Joseph also resembles his namesake, Joseph, in the Book of Genesis in that important things happen in a dream!
The crib scene we set up shows the whole story. It's not all about Mary. It's not all about Joseph. It is all about Jesus. The "infancy narratives" in the gospels of Matthew and Luke carry the seeds of the story of Jesus' whole life and ministry. The plan of God is in force. That crib scene is preaching to us. Don't stick it in a corner where no one can see it! AMEN