3 week of Advent season 22

12 - 17 DECEMBER 2022: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS 12 DECEMBER 2022: NUMBERS 24. 2-7, 15-17a; MATTHEW 21. 23-27 Thrust: The greatest authority! Indicative: Where truth is falsified and denied, authority is abused and deteriorated. For truth is the greatest authority and fidelity to truth is the right exercise of authority 1. Jesus teaches and preaches, heals and exorcises, confronts, and challenges. The Pharisees and scribes and the Jewish authorities resent him but cannot resist him. They see the truth but cannot accept it due to self-righteousness. They see his greatness but reject it due to jealousy. They see God’s power but deny it due to their obstinacy. 2. So the best way to put him down and put a stop to his ministry is to question his credentials. Who is he? What authority does he have? From whom does he derive his authority? In fact, Jesus already answered and clarified these. He revealed his identity, the source of his authority, and the kind of his authority. He is the Son of God, the Incarnate Messiah. He is authorised and empowered by his Father. And his authority is spiritual. 3. But his opponents are not bothered about these truths. They are not at all interested to know the truth. They are stuck only with his earthly identity as the son of Mary. They seriously object that he has no legal or juridical authority. Thus, he is breaching his limits and acting extra-juridically. 4. Jesus poses a counter-question. He pushes them into a dilemma situation whereby either way they get trapped. By whose and what authority did John the Baptist baptise? Where did his authority come from: from heaven or man? 5. We need not see here Jesus’ way of evasion or even his shrewdness. he refuses to answer them directly, just because they do not deserve an answer. They were not open to see the truth and accept it. There is no point of disclosing the truth to those who are closed. 6. How often we too are closed to the higher truth and higher authority? How rightly Balaam in his oracle indicates that openness to truth gives real spiritual authority! Imperative: He is open to truth and exercises true authority “whose eye is opened, who hears the word of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered.” (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 13 DECEMBER) Focus: In a world that abuses power and authority, we, the Disciples of Christ have to rediscover and relive the right spirit of authority 1. Jesus was tirelessly committed to his mission of teaching, preaching, and healing. But the Jewish authorities question his authority. They confront him, asking “By what authority are you doing all these things, and who gave you this authority?” It is not a question seeking to know what they do not know. Rather, it is a questioning of his authority. It is an expression of their displeasure and resistance. 2. They just do not want him to do what he was doing because it was posing a direct challenge to their own authority. He had spiritual and moral authority, which was exposing their own shallow spirituality and moral disintegration. His authority was rooted in his communion with God and manifested in a life of integrity. 3. They just could not stomach it. Thereby they wanted to block his mission by warning him indirectly that he had no juridical or recognised authority like them. They were really foolish to attach doing good to having authority. Jesus brings them to their senses with a very shrewd counter-question, “Tell me, whence was the baptism of John the Baptist, from heaven or men?” They are cornered because either way they will be caught. If they say, ‘from heaven, then why did they not believe him? If they say, ‘from men’, then they would incur the wrath of the public who believes it to be from heaven. Hence they remain silent. 4. The point is clear: there is no need for any formal or official authority for doing good. Anybody and everybody can and also must do good. John the Baptist had no legal authority but he had divine authority. Similarly, Jesus’ authority too is divine. No one can question it. There can be a further question also: if one needs authority to do good, then how many who are in authority are really doing good? 5. Direction: All authority is meant for doing and promoting good. In that way, the purpose of all authority is good and godly. Thereby, any authority that obstructs good is only evil (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 14 DECEMBER) Focus: Divine wisdom always prevails over human crookedness, even though men in their wickedness search for ways and means to demean and discard the divine power 1. The evil-mindedness of the Jewish leaders and elders is quite evident. They are not concerned about the depth and the power of Jesus' message and works. They are not happy about the immense good he is doing through His mission of comfort, healing, and conversion. They find him a thorn in the flesh. 2. They are afraid of losing their hold over the people. They are displeased with being exposed for their hypocrisy. Hence their whole and constant intention is to put him into trouble, to trap him, to catch him on the wrong foot. But Jesus will not be shaken. No human or diabolic force can surpass or defeat his wisdom, integrity, and fervour. 3. Two aspects can be reflected upon. One, what is our attitude and response toward the spiritual and good?? Are we also not like the Jewish authorities when we do not understand God’s power? Do we distrust and question God’s intervention and providence? 4. Do we also resent and resist spiritual authority, and why? Is it because of prejudice or threat to my own petty self-seeking authority? When some are sincerely doing good, do we appreciate, encourage and support them? Or, out of jealousy, do we try to put them down, and try to misinterpret and criticize them? 5. Secondly, when we too are often assailed and tormented by so many evil forces, what is our reaction and way out? Do we turn to God's wisdom and power? Or do we depend too much on our own capacities and resources? Or do we easily lose heart, react violently, and give up? 6. Perhaps, all that is needed is to be like Balaam, the seer in the first reading from the book of Numbers: to have the Spirit of God come upon us, to hear the words of God, to have the knowledge from the Most High, to see the vision of the Almighty with eyes unveiled. Direction: Divine wisdom is far better than human argumentation and confrontation. Let us not put ourselves against God’s authority or spiritual authority. It is better to humble ourselves and surrender 13 DECEMBER 2022: ZEPHANIAH 3. 1-2, 9-13; MATTHEW 21. 28-32 Thrust: No guarantees or privileges! Indicative: Often allegiance to a religion, adherence to a tradition, and practice of laws give a sense of privilege and guarantee for God’s grace and favours. But it is wrong 1. There is a theme of contrast in both readings. In the first reading, it is a contrast between two categories of people – the stubborn and unfaithful on one hand and the humble and faithful on the other hand. In the gospel, it is a contrast between two sons – one says no but then changes; the other says yes but does not follow. 2. The denotation of these contrasts is quite clear. These contrasts refer to the Jews and the non-Jews. God’s message and salvation are offered first to the chosen people. They said yes. They accepted by word of mouth. But they failed to show their fidelity in reality. 3. They become complacent and obstinate. They become rebellious, defiled, and oppressing. They are haughty. They listen to no voice and accept no correction. They do not trust in the Lord and do not draw near to their God. These are typified by the second son who says yes to God’s call but does not do His will. 4. On the contrary, the second category of people is typified by the first son who said no at first but then repents. These people repent and get converted to the true God. These are the people humble and lowly. They seek refuge in the name of the Lord. They do no injustice and speak no lies or deceit. They shall graze and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. 5. From this contrast, the lesson is quite clear: there cannot be presumptions or pretensions, privileges or prerogatives, guarantees, or absolute certitudes in obtaining God’s grace. One merits God’s grace only by fidelity. St Lucy whom we commemorate today stands great by her unswerving loyalty even to the extent of martyrdom. Imperative: Ultimately all our capacity and greatness is not our credit or merit. It is all God’s grace. Therefore, be humble and loyal (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 14 DECEMBER) Focus: The quality of our faith is not to be measured in terms of sweet-sounding words, assurances, and promises but by concrete actions that live what we believe 1. Jesus constantly tries to show the Jews how superficial their faith is. They say ‘yes’ to God with their lips but live ‘no’ in their lives. Their words and actions do not correspond with each other. Jesus’ example of two sons makes this point quite clear. When asked by the father to go and work in the vineyard, the first one first says, ‘no’ but then repents and changes his mind and goes and does the work. The second son says, ‘yes’ but does not go to work. 2. Clearly, the first son represents the gentiles and other nations while the second son represents the chosen people of Israel. Israel makes promises and covenants with the Lord; they say ‘yes’ to God’s laws and statutes but they do not follow them. They say and believe one thing but they do and live just the opposite. In the words of the first reading from Zephaniah, these are “rebellious and defiled; they listen to no voice, accept no correction; they do not trust in the Lord or draw near to God”. 3. But the pagans understand the value of God’s grace. They repent for their refusal and turn back to God. They might have said ‘no’ initially but then their life proves ‘yes’ to God’s ways. In the words of Zephaniah, what he applies to the remnant of Israel, can validly apply to these as well. These are those “people humble and lowly, who seek refuge in the Lord; they shall do no wrong and utter no lies, and have no deceitful tongue”. 4. Therefore, what is very clear is no long traditions or religious affiliations can guarantee a faithful life that is a ‘yes’ to God; nor are they sureties to obtain God’s blessings. All that matters is only repentance and a changed life from ‘no’ to ‘yes’. Direction: Many in the present world believe that they can manage the show and manipulate the people with mere promises, tall words, and affirmations. But in God’s sight what matters the most is harmony between words and deeds (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 15 DECEMBER) Focus: The quality of our faith and Christian living does not consist in mere words and promises, even fantastic; What is the use of a bundle of sweet-sounding "yes"s, when the concrete life is a series of "no"s, a negation of what we believe? 1. We live in a world of empty words and false promises. There is a constant tendency to impress, and please others with good-sounding affirmations and assurances. But it is only deception in disguise, because all words, not leading to concrete actions, are only inauthentic and hypocritical. 2. What is the use of repeating hundreds of times, “I love you”, but not understanding, not helping the other, and doing harm to the other? What is the use of promising that I will remove your difficulties, but doing nothing for that? What is the use of proclaiming that I follow God’s ways and values, but living a life of false values and compromises? 3. Jesus drives home this message very powerfully through his simple story of the two sons in the gospel. The first son says ‘no’ at first to the father’s command; but then he repents and goes to work; quite evidently, he stands for the gentiles: they repent as God offers His salvation, and turn to a new way of life through faith in Jesus. 4. These are exactly like those, described in the first reading from Zephaniah: the pagan nations, who call on the name of the Lord and serve him with zeal; poor and meek people who seek refuge in God. 5. But the second son, who says ‘yes’ but does not do, stands for the Jews: they were the first ones, to whom God offered salvation through His only Son, Jesus; but by rejecting to believe in him, they turn unfaithful. Their fault is exactly what the prophet Zephaniah describes in the first reading. They were rebellious, did not pay attention to God’s call for repentance, did not accept the correction, did not trust in the Lord, and did not approach their God. 6. Perhaps, a little sincere reflection may make it clear to us that we are very much similar to the second son in the gospel. God has been abundantly gracious to us, blessing us with the greatest gift of faith in Jesus, and enriching us with every spiritual blessing. 7. What is expected on our part is a life of authenticity and loyalty. This needs a deep and consistent conversion. How often do we deceive God with mere words and promises which are so tall and loud? How often do we say one thing and do exactly the opposite?! Direction: How often do we deliberately forfeit God’s grace, being presumptuous and complacent? It is a time to check and control 14 DECEMBER 2022: ISAIAH 45. 6-8b, 18, 21b-25; LUKE 7. 19-23 Thrust: Turn and Return! Indicative: There are many false images of God. God is reduced to be a “private property” of religion and is domesticated to be a violent defender of religion. This is truly a “godless” culture 1. It is so sad that people divide, discriminate, and fight in the name of God. But in the name of a righteous God, how can unrighteousness be promoted? In the name of the true God, how can truth be falsified? In the name of the holy God, how can unholiness be sanctified? All the more, in the name of a benevolent, magnanimous God, how can hatred, violence and destruction be propagated and perpetuated? 2. How little do people realise that it is folly and a mockery to fight over the names of God or religion or tradition or rituals? They are not equivalent to truth and loyalty. Our primary concern is godliness, holiness, faithfulness, and goodness. 3. It is in this context of the false and deceptive identity of God and religion, the word of God today reminds us of the true identity of God and His functions. God the Yahweh in the first reading declares, “I am the Lord and there is no other god. A righteous God and a Saviour… Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength… Turn to me and be saved.” 4. The above words need not be taken as exclusivism leading to intolerance, domination, and condemnation of other religions. The point here is not which God or religion is greater than others. The real issue is, any meaningful talk of God or adherence to religion should include and promote righteousness and strength, and not weakness and unrighteousness. Any loyalty to God must be saving and not destroying. 5. The gospel picture of God and the Saviour authenticates this right notion and identity of God. In God, we find healing, comfort, and strength: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised. Therefore, any loyalty to God that does not foster these “life-signs” is only false and discardable. Imperative: It is high time that we stop being arrogant and making ourselves “defenders” and “protectors” of God. Instead, let us become humble to allow Him to “save” us (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 15 DECEMBER) Focus: Often in life confusion and doubts arise. Instead of being disturbed and misguided, it is better to turn to the Lord, seek clarity and be clear and confirmed 1. In today’s gospel, John the Baptist sends two of his disciples to Jesus to clarify whether he is the awaited Messiah. This looks a little bit embarrassing and also intriguing. We are aware that John the Baptist was quite aware of Jesus’ identity as the awaited Messiah and of his own identity as the precursor of the Messiah. Then we may wonder why at all he wants again to know about Jesus’ identity. 2. There are some scholars who say that like any other human being, John the Baptist too was confused and doubtful about Jesus’ identity and so he wanted to get it clarified. But personally, I do not subscribe to this idea. Rather, a couple of other perspectives seem plausible to me. One is he wanted his disciples to be clear about Jesus as the real Messiah and thus prepare them to be Jesus’ followers. He directed his two disciples to Jesus so that they could have a firsthand experience of Jesus performing the works of Messiah toward the blind, the deaf, the lame, the leprous, the poor, and the dead. 3. A second possible explanation is that he wants to positively pressure Jesus to reveal himself as the awaited Messiah because he wants to vanish behind since Jesus has entered the scene. Jesus does not seem to make any self-revelation by himself. So by sending his disciples personally to Jesus, Jesus would be urged to make a self-attestation. 4. Seen either way, the purpose of John the Baptist can be more of creating an occasion for Jesus to make a self-revelation so that people would know him, believe him, and be drawn to him. Thus he can recede to the background while Jesus takes control of the course of action. 5. Whatever be the motive behind it, the end result is clarity on the identity of Jesus as the Messiah. He brings healing, newness, and life into the lives of many. Truly, the words of the prophet Isaiah in the first reading get fulfilled in him: “All the ends of the earth shall turn to him and be saved. To him, every knee shall bow and every tongue shall swear. It shall be said of him only in the Lord are strength and righteousness. All who were incensed against him shall be put to shame. In the Lord, all the offspring of Israel shall triumph and glory”. Direction: The coming of the Messiah is not merely a mega event of pomp and glory as in the case of many secular lords. His coming is a matter of transformation and salvation (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 16 DECEMBER) Focus: The more we fail to know and discover God in our lives, the more there will be confusion and loss of meaning, and commitment 1. Many think that the issue of God is a mere matter of religion or spirituality or tradition. Consequently, God becomes more a matter of concept, and religion and spirituality become matters of the practice of some devotional activities. 2. But, God must become a living reality, a concrete personal experience, and a relationship. In other words, we must discover the real identity of God in our lives. This is the call that is so forceful in both the readings from Isaiah and Luke. He created everything, he is the Savior, a God of justice. 3. Yes, He is inseparably connected to us and involved in our lives. He is the one who is the author of all life and good. He is deeply interested in our lives, attentive and caring toward our struggles. In the gospel, to those who seek to know the identity of Jesus, Jesus reveals it. 4. He draws their attention to what he is doing with compassion and commitment to the good of all. He healed many people of their sicknesses and diseases. He freed them from the evil spirits. He gave sight to the blind. Thus, the blind see again, the lame walk, lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the poor are given the good news. These are the authentic signs and testimonies of God’s identity. 5. Today, what then is our duty? Jesus tells those seekers of his identity, to go back and tell what they have seen and heard. We too need to open our eyes to see and hear what God is doing in our lives. we need to be a little more open and receptive. We need to become a little more attentive and sensitive. We need to become a little more positive and appreciative. We need to become a little more grateful and responsive. Direction: We are constantly called to realise the identity of God in our lives, in deep relationship and loyalty. The more we grow in his knowledge and experience, the more we discover and live our own identity. 15 DECEMBER 2022: ISAIAH 54. 1-10; LUKE 7. 24-30 Thrust: Prepare the way! Indicative: We are constantly called to prepare the way of the Lord. The best of the preparation is an attentive and diligent process of awareness-experience-repentance-reparation-witness 1. The theme of “preparation” is recurrent and forceful every day of advent. John the Baptist prepared the way. It is not the externals like his clothing or food or habitation that matter. It is his identity and mission. He was deeply conscious of his identity as a prophet, a precursor who prepares the way of the Lord. 2. Accordingly, he carried out his mission assiduously through the preaching of repentance and baptism. At the height of his fidelity to his mission, he embraced martyrdom and bore witness to his commitment to God. 3. We too have the same identity and mission. We too need to prepare the way of the Lord and bear witness to his kingdom. For this, we need to be confident, clear, convinced, and committed. The Lord says, “Fear not, be not confounded.” 4. Realise the deepest intimate relationship with God and His never-failing magnanimity. Be ever conscious and nurture within that God is not a super power, up in the heavens. Rather, He is our Creator, Maker, Redeemer, and our husband. All these are the highest expressions of love, dignity, and fidelity. 5. Realise that God’s love is everlasting. All unfavourable and adverse happenings in life are not vindictive punishments. They are chastisements and discipline for restoration and growth. Therefore, abandonment, anger, desolation, barrenness, affliction, shame, and disgrace – all these are passing phases. What is more abiding is everlasting love, compassion, dignity, and joy. Imperative: Therefore, “Enlarge your shrinking tents. Stretch out your shortened curtains.” Broaden your horizons. make your hearts spacious with renewed hope and joy (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 16 DECEMBER) Focus: Blessed are those who realize their true identity, and the purpose of their lives and strive to live accordingly! It is only a purpose-driven and destiny-oriented life that becomes meaningful and fulfilling 1. Jesus praises John the Baptist as ‘more than a prophet’ and as ‘the greatest born of women. Now, what makes John the Baptist so great and praiseworthy? In the first place, it is his magnanimity that readily humbles himself to play a low profile even when popular. He never craved and strove for self-glory. 2. The second praiseworthy mark of John the Baptist was his singular focus and unflinching zeal toward his role as the precursor and witness to the Lord. He was fully clear about who he was and thus was fully committed to his mission. He truly and faithfully prepared the way for the Messiah. 3. He calls the people for repentance that would turn them to the Messiah. And the days of the Messiah will be truly hopeful and life-turning. For, “with great compassion he will gather his people. With everlasting love he will have compassion on them. His steadfast love shall not depart from them and his covenant of peace shall not be removed”. 4. But interestingly, Jesus states immediately “Yet who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he (John the Baptist). Does it not look contradictory? How is it that on one hand, John the Baptist is the greatest of all born women, and on other hand, even the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than him? 5. Thereby, one valid implication is ‘regeneration’ by Holy Spirit is far more superior to the ordinary ‘birth’. What makes John the Baptist is not his physical generation through his mother. But, it is his spiritual regeneration, being anointed by the Holy Spirit. Those who belong to the kingdom are thus spiritually generated and empowered. And this is certainly more than mere physical bonding. Direction: Let us always remain conscious of our own role as the ‘messengers’ like John the Baptist. Let us prepare the way for the Lord 16 DECEMBER 2022:ISAIAH 56. 1-3a, 6-8; JOHN 5. 33-36 Thrust: God of truth! Indicative: People need proofs. They seek evidences. But the proofs and evidences are not always indicators of doubt and skepticism. Rather they can authenticate the truth and the veracity of the matter at hand 1. God is truth and righteousness. There are no falsity and no injustice in Him. All those who believe in and follow God will also abide in truth and act righteously. Truth and righteousness are not mere attributes. They are the essentials of God, godly people, and godliness. 2. The world with all its intelligence and competence is reeling with incredulity and unproductive and harmful skepticism. The human mind in all its craving for rationality and certainty has lost “sensitivity” – intellectual, social, moral, and spiritual. 3. Thus, it is really a “culture of dialectic and conflict”. There is a constant conflict between certainty-uncertainty, truth-falsity, and veracity-distortion. In this context, Jesus indicates to us the best way to overcome these conflictual situations. 4. The solution to the conflict is “witness”. Bear witness to the truth. But, what is truth? God is truth. His life and presence, His light and guidance, His love and sustenance, His power and strengthening, His fidelity, forgiveness, and salvation are the greatest truth. 5. Therefore, we need to bear witness to these aspects of truth. This implies that we believe them, experience them and live them concretely. Thus it is not mere words or promises. It is not mere practices or traditions. It is not mere laws and precepts. It is a life example. That is why Jesus says, “the very works that I do bear witness to me.” Only this will be the authentic and effective testimony. Imperative: Fidelity to truth implies a life of fraternity and charity, benevolence and righteousness. There is no truth without works in action 17 DECEMBER 2022: GENESIS 49. 2, 8-10; MATTHEW 1. 1-17 Thrust: God’s grace embraces! Indicative: God’s mindset is different from the human mindset in different ways. One salient difference is, God does not seek to protect and promote His own dignity or interests. Rather He protects and promotes our dignity. 1. By and large, there is an overhauling ego-centrism in the ordinary human mentality. ‘I’ become the centre, norm, and measure of everything. But the great and noble souls rise above this ego-demarcation and set others’ good first. This is in fact God’s own nature. There is no self-seeking. He is always intent on human well-being. 2. In the OT salvation history, God enters into the life story of a small nation Israel and brings them up. Despite their recurrent infidelity and deviations, He remains faithful to them. There is absolutely no self-gain. It is all for their benefit. 3. In the NT, the genealogy that is narrated in the gospel, at a first glance may look like a mere list of names, just for chronological purpose and historical interest. But a deeper look into the genealogy reveals and authenticates what we saying above. 4. First of all, genealogy reveals that God descends amidst us on earth as a human so as to make us ascend to heaven as divine eternals. He lowers His dignity in order to raise our dignity. He shares in our human predicament so that we can share in the divine glory. 5. Further, the names in the list of genealogy are a variety of different characters – men and women, chosen and pagan, elite and ordinary, adulterers and murderers. Thus genealogy includes all irrespective of status and dignity. There is no exclusion or discrimination. This once again proves that God dignifies us and gives us a due place in His eternal plans and ways of salvation. Imperative: Let us be extremely happy that God graciously becomes one of us in our human family. It is a grace and privilege. Let us feel and live our human dignity (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 18 DECEMBER) Focus: The incarnation of God is not that God ‘appears’ in human form. He truly ‘takes’ or ‘assumes’ the human form. Therefore, he ‘becomes’ one of us 1. Matthew begins his gospel with the genealogy of Jesus. The purpose of genealogy is not just to provide some historical details of the family tree of Jesus. It is also not to give an impression of historical accuracy and veracity regarding Jesus’ genealogy. Rather, the primal purpose is to show the total “immersion” of Jesus into human history. 2. Jesus inserts himself into the life struggle of human history. Genealogy of the Son of God testifies that Jesus became fully man and that he is genuinely part of our history. His humanity is not a mere ‘appearance’ as in the case of avatars. It is real and true. Genealogy authenticates that Jesus was fully of human nature, just as he is divine. He bore our sins; he faced our struggles. He became one of us so that we would become like him. Therefore, to celebrate God’s incarnation would be celebrating our own humanity which refers both to the human family and human nature. 3. There are a few other notable factors in Matthew’s genealogy. There are 5 women included in the whole genealogy, namely Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. This is in sharp contrast to Matthew’s Jewish world where genealogies typically mentioned only men. 4. Even more surprisingly, all these women have somewhat spotty reputations. Tamar was Judah’s daughter-in-law who pretended to be a prostitute, Rahab was a Jericho prostitute, Ruth was the non-Israelite Moabite and a sexually forward widow, Bathsheba was a woman taken to adultery with David, and Mary was a suspect pregnancy (claimed by the Holy Spirit). 5. Their inclusion into genealogy is a clear indication that God will work through His servants, even the most unlikely of servants. Even the most unlikely life can be redeemed and honored by God. Each life can be part of God’s grand plan to bring light and truth and healing to the world. Direction: No matter what we are and how we do, we are all significant and pivotal in the holy designs of God. He wants to become part of our life. He wants to be in total solidarity with the whole of humanity indiscriminately (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 19 DECEMBER) Focus: God's ways are always authentic and concrete. He always enters into human history and our own personal history to make our lives authentic and worth-living 1. We have the genealogy of Jesus in the gospel. Its interest or purpose is not mere history or chronology which is more of the human realm. Its purpose is of the divine realm, with a salvific orientation. Jesus is truly born of human descent. His incarnation is true and real. It is not a mere story or fiction or totally an exclusive matter of faith. 2. Rather, his birth is a verifiable and tangible historical reality. He truly inserts himself into our human history. He belongs to our human line of life. This is something crucial: God becomes part of our human history and shares our own life- predicaments. 3. This human face and the humaneness of God are very important. Especially in our own times, where the connectivity with God is more and more declining, where the personal touch with God is reducing, we need to recapture this lost link. Today, in the world of communication, we speak of links. We ask for links to get connected to a particular program and watch it. 4. How many are really serious about the link to God? How many eagerly search for entering the site of God? If only one understands, the immense significance and value of God entering into our human history, oh! What an unfathomable mystery of love! God becomes part of our human family. He is one of our family. He has a profound and lasting bonding with us. 5. But history is not a mere matter of a bygone past. His birth is not one event that took place once upon a time. His birth among us is a most authentic testimony that he has inserted himself into our life story. 6. Accordingly, the genealogy of Jesus for us must not be merely a historical concern, so as to prove his historicity. Rather, it is to confirm the beautiful immersion of God into our human reality. God became part of our history so that we can live beyond history, with a life that merits one eternity. Direction: To make us like him, God became like us. To elevate our personal and human history, God got inserted into our story.