GOD KNEW WHAT HE WANTED
God made His
saving power present in an Infant - Jesus - which appears to be folly in the
eyes of the wise of this world.
Today's first
reading tells us about Jacob's vision that the tribe of Judah would rule over
the other tribes. Jacob was right, the dynasty of David, a Judahite, lasted
almost half a millennium. But Jacob would have been astounded at God's vision:
a new and different King would arise from the tribe of Judah and the line of
David - the family tree of God - and this King would be God Incarnate. Even the
psalmist who painted a magnificent portrait of the King could not have imagined
how true his image was: "Justice shall flourish in His time, and fullness
of peace forever" (Ps 72:7).
God knew what He
wanted. Yes, He chose the tribe of Judah, the Jews, and from within that tribe
He selected the house of David. He insisted that through David and his
descendants the scepter, the ruling power, would never depart from Judah. In an
eminent degree the prophecy of today's Scriptures was fulfilled in the Person
of Jesus Christ, born of the house of David as the Messiah-King.
Not only did God
know what He wanted, He also knew what He was doing. He was making it clear
that He alone was our heavenly Father. He did not have to rely on mighty armies
to conquer evil in the world. God made His saving power present in an Infant -
Jesus - which appears to be folly in the eyes of the wise of this world. God
chose to pour out His salvation upon all human-kind through His Son's blood on
a Cross - an act which seems to be weakness in the eyes of the powerful. God
did this because of His love for us! It didn't happen as a result of any human
effort, but was simply given as a Gift!
As we reflect today
on these Scripture readings, may we kindle again the wonder in our hearts at
the loving, marvelous deeds of our God!