Dear all.
Gospel Reading
Yesterday’s gospel reading (Matthew 1:1 – 25) principally consists of an exposition of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. For those of you who were careful enough to notice the matins remembranced a different genealogy: namely that of Luke – and yet the gospel of Matthew was read in the divine liturgy. The question is: why?
Notice further that the genealogy of Luke for Christ differs in that it has as its grounding in Adam (the first man) the son of God whereas the genealogy of Matthew has as its grounding in Christ as the son of David, the son of Abraham (the first man to receive the promise of being God’s people). These two genealogies make two different fundamental points. Luke shows Christ as embracing humanity in its entirety whereas Matthew shows Christ as being the fulfilment all old Testament prophecy as the Messiah promised of old.
Both genealogies refer to a list of people, mostly good, yet some who were clearly sinners. This demonstrates to us that God intended the salvific plan to be for each and every one of us – whether we be saints or sinners. That is the good news! We are all capable of being saved. By the taking of human flesh and assuming human nature Christ becomes a bridge between God and man.
Both lineages belong to Joseph and to Mary. Both are from the house of David. We know that from the book of Numbers 36:8 – 9 which precludes marriages between different clans. So, when the question is asked: “who are you?” It can be said as Matthew did that Christ is “the son of the living God” or as a blind person said ” have mercy upon me son of David”.
Programme
The program for this week is as follows: tomorrow Christmas 6 AM to 9 AM; Wednesday 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, Thursday 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM; Friday 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM; Saturday divine liturgy in English 9 AM to 10:15 AM
Thought for the week
“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them “do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8 – 10).
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men!”
Till next time.
In Christ.
Fr John Athanasiou 0411 061 554
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