Advent: Catholic ReflectionsPrøve

Today we begin the Advent Novena, which marks the nine days of special prayer and focused reflection in the last days before Christmas. Our Bible readings today remind us of those that have gone before us, of our heritage, of the lineage of Christ and his prophesied place as priest, prophet, king, and Messiah. Looking back on our family history can rake up many emotions. For some of us we look back with pride and affection as we trace back the stories of our ancestors. For others of us this is, quite simply, an impossible task. Perhaps we do not know those who brought us to birth, or our family relationships have broken down to the extent that nothing is known beyond our immediate family. Some of us remember only times of sadness, violence, or fear, and looking back at our families is not something we ever want to do. If we look at Matthew's genealogy of Christ, I am struck by the four women mentioned in the timeline. Rahab, the prostitute; Ruth, the poor outcast; Uriah's wife (Bathsheba) whose name is not even recorded, who conceived her son with King David as the result of an affair; and lastly, Mary, the young woman who became the mother of God. Each of these women with their varied backgrounds played a vital part in bringing forth the Christ and being part of God's mission to the world. Perhaps pray today for your family, pray for forgiveness, healing, and pray in thanksgiving for them and the coming of Christ.