HOMILY FOR 3RD WEDNESDAY IN ADVENT: YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: A GENEALOGY OF JESUS CHRIST
BY: Fr. Deotacious Chikontwe, SMA
Gen 49:2, 8-10, 18, 21-25; Psalm 71(72):1-4, 7-8, 17; Matt 1:1-17
1. A Big Shift
Today is a significant day in Advent. We have finished the first part of the season and are now in the final eight days before Christmas. Starting today, the Church stops looking toward the end of time and begins to focus on the family story of Jesus.
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2. A Promise Kept (The Old Testament)
In the first reading, Jacob is an old man nearing death. He calls his sons together to give them his final blessing. He tells his son, Judah, that his family will be leaders. He says a “scepter” (a king’s staff) will stay with Judah’s family until the true King arrives.
For hundreds of years, the people waited for this King. They had the promise, but they did not yet have the Person.
The Lesson: God is a promise-keeper. Even if a promise takes a long time to come true, God never forgets.
3. A Messy Family Tree (The Gospel)
In the Gospel, we read a long list of names—the genealogy of Jesus. At first glance, it might look like a boring list, but it is actually very exciting!
Usually, kings only listed the “perfect” ancestors in their family trees. But the family tree of Jesus includes:
• Heroes like Abraham and David.
• Ordinary people who simply did their daily work.
• Sinners and outsiders who made big mistakes or were people the world didn’t expect to see there.
The Lesson: Jesus chose to come from a family that was a bit messy, just like ours. This means He isn’t afraid of our mistakes or our problems. He wants to be part of our lives and our families exactly as we are.
4. Wisdom for Today
Today marks the beginning of the “O Antiphons,” starting with “O Wisdom.” Wisdom means seeing things the way God sees them.
God looked at forty-two generations of people—some good and some bad—and used every one of them to bring Jesus into the world. He is doing the same thing in your life today. He uses your happy days and your hard days to bring something beautiful to life.
Summary to Remember
• God keeps His word: The “scepter” promised to Judah is now held by Jesus.
• You belong: If Jesus can use a messy family tree, He can certainly use you.
• Trust the timing: Forty-two generations is a long time! Do not worry if God seems “slow.” He is always on time.
Conclusion
Today, as we look at the genealogy of Jesus, let us remember: You are part of the story now. Through your Baptism, you have been grafted into this royal lineage. Let the “scepter” of Christ’s peace rule in your heart today.
Have a blessed Wednesday, everyone!