Monday of the Third Week of Advent
December 17, 2007
"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."
- Mathew 1:1

Was it more important that Jesus was born or that he died? I know that is a loaded question but I think it is a good question because it can draw out deeper insight and discussion about the beautiful mystery of who Jesus is. On one hand, you would have to say that it is more important that Jesus was born because God's saving plan would not have been revealed to us but for the birth of Jesus. That is what we celebrate at Christmas- Jesus being born into the human race just like one of us in the Incarnation. On the other hand, it was not enough for Jesus to be born as one of us. He came for a reason. He came for you and me. He came to die for our sins such that if we would accept that gift we could live with Him forever. You cannot disconnect the wood of the crib from the wood of the cross. So quickly, the wood of Jesus' crib changes to the wood of the cross. The cross is the apex of the meaning of the crib. Jesus, having total free will, could have died rebelling against the Father's plan which would make his death in vein in saving us. But His purpose in dying was for us. He chose the Father's intention to save us and that is the greatest gift ever known to humankind. So, Jesus' dying and rising for the intention of our souls is most important.

Often I will introduce guests and visitors before mass begins. Once introduced, I will say what time it is and the whole congregation will shout the truth of Christ in the church to our honored guests saying, "And, You are loved!" One time I was introducing a couple in their 50’s and I asked them their name. They said, "You are not going to believe this Father, but our last name is Sinners." The whole congregation chuckled. Continuing, I asked where they were from. Sheepishly and smiling, they replied, "You are really going to like this. We're from Vegas." The church erupted with laughter. I quipped, "Yes, we have our fellow sinners from Vegas today. Isn't that awesome? And it is 10:27…"

Aren't we all fellow sinners who walk into church each Sunday seeking the salvation of our Lord? But we are also loved and offered salvation in Jesus who became one of us for us in the Incarnation. That is what the genealogy of Matthew is about. Sinless Jesus, the center and Lord of history, comes to be born among us fellow sinners to give His life for all. There is a long list of sinners with a long list of sins and every human person (besides the sinless Mary, Mother of God and Our Mother) is on that list. The astounding mystery is that Jesus knows everyone on that list, has chosen to die for everyone on that list, and has the power to save everyone on that list!

Just like our loved, fellow sinners from Vegas, we are on the list of sinners and we have our list of sins. List your sins and confess them especially to a priest who, in the sacrament of reconciliation/confession, stands in for Jesus to offer you absolute forgiveness.

Jesus has come for everyone on the list to transform listless lives into lives of bliss. Do not be remiss on reaching out to the one who changes all listlessness into eternal bliss!

We are infinitely blessed!

+ Fr. John