Daily Gospel Reflection for September 8, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

On this feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we honor her as the Jesus's mother, whose life and surrender to God allows Christ to fulfill God’s covenant with His people and redeem us from sin.

Matthew’s Gospel opens with the genealogy of Jesus Christ. If you attend Mass today, it’s possible that your parish will omit these lines in favor of the short form, starting with how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. But this genealogy serves a purpose, showing the unbroken chain of God bringing His people to salvation. The Old Testament chronicles generational brokenness and sin found from Abraham to David to Joseph. Early Christians would understand this pattern of faithful generations persevering through sin and failure, continuing to serve God as they wait in hope for the Messiah to come.

Genealogy continues to grow in popularity today, as many people wonder where they come from, who their ancestors are, and where they belong. When we belong to Christ, we are God’s people, and this genealogy becomes part of our spiritual ancestry. We trust that whatever brokenness lies in our past generations God can use for His glory in our lives today. God is with us in Christ Jesus, and through Him we are fully known, loved, and redeemed.

Ponder:

Reflect on the origin and development of your own family. How did you come to Christ, and where do you see Him at work today?

Pray:

God, we struggle with so much brokenness in our past, but we praise Your faithfulness and Your promise that through Your son, Jesus, we are redeemed.

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We trust that whatever brokenness lies in our past generations God can use for His glory in our lives today. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Shelly Henley Kelly