Posted by The WORD in Other Words by Fr Renato Tampol SVD (Philippines) for Friday 9th Week in Ordinary Time
The gospel reading on the second night of “Simbang Gabi” is about the genealogy that stresses the connection between Jesus and David (Mt 1:1-17). Focusing on the humanity of Jesus, it says that Jesus comes from David’s family tree through Joseph, his foster father.
Today’s gospel describes David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, prophesied by saying, “The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I place your enemies under your feet.” Jesus was challenging his listeners to understand deeper what David meant and listen with their hearts. Certainly, David was referring to Jesus himself.
Jesus, as human, was younger than David. But Jesus as divine, existed before all else. So David prophesied by calling him “Lord.” David, filled with the Holy Spirit, knew Jesus was God.
While Jesus, who is God, became human so that human beings might become one with Him, it is ironic that many today still do not believe that he is the Son of God.
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us…” (Jn 1:14). Jesus was both God and man. He did not lose his divinity when he assumed his humanity. And yet, many do not believe him even those who call themselves Christians. This is a challenge to all of us to witness to Jesus as truly the Son of God (Jn 1:34).
Nowadays, the world does not only need teachers but witnesses who are missionaries. All Christians are missionaries sent to proclaim the gospel to all nations. Let us seriously respond to the Lord’s call: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Mt 28:19).
Source – Bible Diary 2020
