Posted by Chuck Scherl
Parishioner Chuck Scherl is head of the New Beginnings Grief Support Ministry and leader of the Liturgy of the Hours Prayer Group. Chuck takes his two dogs walking most mornings at a local dog park.
This reflection is from Pope Benedict XVI's three volumes of Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives
by Pope Benedict XVI
Chapter I:
Page 1-13: “Where are you from?” (John 19-9)
Key Points
Benedict explores the reality of Jesus coming to earth through various lenses. He asserts that the Nativity is not just a story but a real event with historical importance, deeply intertwined with God’s plan for redemption. He emphasizes the Virgin birth as a core truth that underscores Christ’s divine origin. Benedict also reflects on Mary’s fiat—her “yes” to God—and Joseph’s obedience, presenting them as models of faith and trust in God’s will. The presence of the shepherds at Jesus’ birth symbolizes His closeness to the lowly and His mission to save all people. Finally, Benedict interprets the visit of the Magi as a sign of Christ’s kingship and the inclusion of the Gentiles in salvation history.
The first of the four Gospels was written by Mark. In Mark’s Gospel, Christ’s divinity is revealed through the voice from heaven at His baptism: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” This declaration affirms Jesus’ divine origin as the Son of God. However, Mark’s Gospel also reflects the hiddenness of Jesus’ origins. For instance, the people of Nazareth ask, “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James…? And are not His sisters here with us?” (Mark 6:3). Jesus’ divine nature remains concealed from the people of Nazareth. Moreover, Mark frequently records Jesus instructing others not to reveal His identity, a theme often referred to as the “Messianic secret.”
Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage from Abraham to His mother, Mary, through Joseph’s patrilineal line. However, not all the individuals listed are men; Matthew includes four Gentile women—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba (referred to as “the wife of Uriah”)—foreshadowing Jesus’ mission to all people, both Jews and Gentiles. Jesus’ kingship is affirmed through the inclusion of several Jewish kings in His lineage.
Luke’s Gospel begins with a narrative about John the Baptist, linking his mission to the coming of Christ. Luke presents a different genealogy than Matthew’s, starting with Jesus and tracing backward through Mary’s line to Adam. Benedict emphasizes that this highlights Mary as the beginning of a new creation, while connecting Jesus to all humanity through Adam.
The Gospel of John offers a profound theological statement on Jesus’ origins: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt [pitched His tent] among us” (John 1:1, 14). John emphasizes Jesus’ divine origin, His lordship over creation, and His choice to enter human history. Benedict points out that “Jesus is, so to speak, the tent of meeting—the reality for which the tent and later the temple could only serve as signs. Jesus’ origins… are the true ‘beginning’—the pre-eternal source from which all things come.”
Reflection & Petition
Lord, as I reflect on the richness of the Gospels, I see how each contributes to the revelation of Your Son. Mark’s Gospel reveals the hiddenness of Christ’s divine origin and His mission, veiled from ordinary perception but revealed through faith. May the Spirit of the living God, strengthen our faith so that we may see you more clearly in others.
Matthew demonstrates the fulfillment of promises to Israel, showing Jesus as the royal Messiah whose lineage includes both kings and Gentiles, foreshadowing salvation for all. As Christ the King, You enfleshed yourself and became a servant yourself. I pray that you remind me that I am to be a servant and have no kingship over others.
Luke’s Gospel traces Jesus’ connection to Adam, linking Him to all of humanity and presenting Mary as the new beginning of creation. O Mary, you are the new Eve and Jesus the new Adam, be with me always!
John proclaims the eternal Word, who took on flesh to dwell among us, revealing Jesus’ divine lordship and His desire to pitch His tent in our lives. O Lord, make me worthy, for I cannot, to dwell with you in the fullness of your divinity and humanity.
As tomorrow marks the Solemnity of Christ the King, help me to meditate on the impact of these truths. May I see how You call all people—Jew and Gentile alike—into Your family. Help me recognize Your kingship in every person I encounter, knowing that You came into this world as a Servant and ascended to reign as King. Lord, may I reflect Your kingship in my life by becoming a servant to others, embodying Your love and humility in all I do. Amen.
