I was ordained a priest 53 years ago today. Each year when December 17 rolls around, the Church invites us to reflect on these two readings: Jacob’s words to his sons about their heritage and mission and the genealogy of Jesus from St. Matthew’s Gospel. Both readings call my attention to the unique path that my life has taken and the way that I believe God has called me to faith and to the priesthood. They evoke prayerful reflection in me, an awareness of God in my life and a sense of deep gratitude for God’s guidance and faithful love. 

Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus, in particular, outlines the unique path that lead to the birth of Jesus and his unique vocation in the way that God was bringing salvation and new life to all who follow his way. It is not meant indicate Jesus’ DNA, but to establish his identity and mission for all who read and pray with this Gospel. 

The genealogy is the story of God’s grace at work in Jesus. Some of the “ancestors” mentioned in it are well known, faithful to God and God’s way and are mentioned in the Scriptures in other places. However, some are unknown, are never mentioned in Scripture and some are even ancestors you would not brag about being part of your family tree. These might be considered the “black sheep” of Jesus ancestry.  

Whenever I read or pray with this genealogy, I am drawn to appreciate the unique path my life, my faith and my vocation have taken through God’s grace. It makes me often say that I could not have written the story of my life for it is beyond anything I could have hoped for or imagined. 

Have you ever reflected upon, or better still, prayed with the story of your life, how you came to believe in Jesus and his message and the different people, the various twists and turns have been part of your journey of life and faith?  Perhaps today in light of these Scriptures it might be a great way for you to pray. How has God’s grace been guiding and watching over you in the unique circumstances and path of your life?