During the octave (eight day celebration) before Christmas the readings chosen for each day highlight the meaning of the incarnation, of God-with-us. Today’s gospel presents the genealogy of Jesus according to St. Matthew. As in every family there is a collection of saints and sinners in Jesus’ ancestry. The incarnation thrust Jesus into a very human, very messy, reality. Of particular interest is St. Matthew’s inclusion of five women into the genealogical chart and what five they were: Tamar who seduced her father-in-law, Rahab the harlot, Ruth the foreigner, Bethsheba the adulteress and Mary the pregnant, unmarried teen. This informs our own Christmas reflection — no matter what our story God can work with it to bring saving life into our homes and into our hearts.
