Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Dionisio Miranda SVD – Catholic Trade Manila
September 8 – Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Human Genome Project, the ambitious undertaking to map all the genes of the human person, has yielded many remarkable discoveries. Yet among its more sobering findings is the realization that human beings share a large percentage of their genetic makeup with other living creatures. Quantitatively, what distinguishes us from other creatures may appear relatively small, but qualitatively it is decisive. In a surprising way, modern genetics indirectly echoes the biblical creation account: God made humanity unique not merely through physical composition but by sharing with us His own breath of life. As Genesis tells us: “Then the Lord God formed man out of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7).
A genealogy is an attempt to trace one’s roots, not through biological genes but through family and social lineage. Yet genealogy is not always flattering. Sometimes it reveals embarrassing episodes and imperfect ancestors. This should not surprise us. Even the genealogy of Jesus includes sinners, foreigners, and morally complex figures (cf. Matthew 1:1-17). The Gospel reminds us that God writes His salvation story through imperfect people.
Roots are important. Genetics can reveal predispositions to certain illnesses, but predisposition is not destiny. A disease may never develop unless circumstances, choices, and lifestyle contribute to it. Likewise, human potential cannot be reduced to genetics alone. A child may possess natural gifts for music, but without guidance, discipline, encouragement, and opportunity, those gifts may remain dormant. A potential Mozart requires not only talent but also formation, inspiration, and perseverance.
The same is true socially. One may come from a family of physicians and choose another profession. One may possess an impeccable pedigree and nevertheless bring shame upon the family. Conversely, one may rise above humble origins and achieve remarkable greatness. The Bible offers many examples. David was the youngest shepherd boy of Jesse’s family, yet God chose him to be king (1 Samuel 16:11-13). Amos was merely a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees before being called as a prophet (Amos 7:14-15).
What is true biologically and psychologically is even more true morally and spiritually. Joseph, the righteous husband of Mary, was the heir of many generations and shaped by countless influences. Yet in the decisive moments of his life, his choices were his own. When faced with uncertainty, he chose obedience to God’s will (Matthew 1:24). His greatness lay not in his ancestry but in his fidelity.
The many names that appear in genealogies are often little more than names to us: identified, yet largely unknown; remembered, yet faceless. We are all products of numerous social, cultural, and familial influences. We are shaped by those whose lives intersect our own. Yet ultimately, each person remains responsible before God for his or her own choices.
As the prophet Ezekiel declared: “The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be his own, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be his own” (Ezekiel 18:20).
Ultimately, we belong not to our genealogy but to God. Through Christ, we become children of God by grace: “To those who did accept him, he gave power to become children of God” (John 1:12).
Time eventually reveals the truth about people, events, and decisions. Genealogies may tell us where we come from, but they do not determine where we are going. They are catalogs and inventories, not fate or destiny. Our true identity is found not merely in our ancestry, but in our relationship with God and in the choices we make in response to His grace.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the many people who have shaped my life. Help me to honor my heritage without being bound by it. Teach me to make choices worthy of Your children, so that my life may reflect not merely my ancestry, but Your presence and grace. Amen.
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