Genesis 49:2, 8-10 / Matthew 1:1-17
When we look at a tree, what we will see will be what is above the ground.
We will notice the height, the shape, the branches, the leaves and the fruit.
But the health and the state of the tree is determined by what is below the ground.
What is below the ground is what we don’t see, but it is as important if not more important that what is above the ground.
In other words, the roots determine the fruit, and the deeper the roots, the better will the tree hold on to the ground.
In the gospel, we hear of the long genealogy of Jesus Christ.
In that genealogy are some names of men that we have heard before, as well as some women who have significant roles.
But all of them form the roots of the tree of life that eventually bore the ultimate fruit, and that is Jesus Christ the Saviour.
The season of Advent reminds us of the promise of salvation that is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is the root of our faith and our life.
May we bear the fruit of His love so that others will see us, the Church, as the tree of life bearing fruits for the salvation of the world.