One technique that scientists use to track down diseases is a genogram. Putting the medical history of one’s ancestors on the family tree helps doctors to locate what diseases are inherited and the risk an individual patient might face. They have even used a genogram to track mental health issues; for example, does depression tend to run in one’s family. St. Matthew lists the family tree of Jesus and it is quite a mixed bag. Like any family it consists of saints and sinners. Perhaps that should remind us that, just as God was a work in the history of Israel leading to the birth of Jesus, God has a plan for our lives that is unfolding according to the divine will.
