3rd week of Advent, Wednesday – 18th December 2019 — Gospel: Mt 1,18-25
Discontinuity within Continuity
The theme of discontinuity-within-continuity proceeds as Jesus is defined both by his virginal conception (discontinuity) and by legal paternity from Joseph (continuity). The Davidic Messiah (continuity) is more than a mere Messiah; he is God with us (discontinuity). Today’s Gospel (1,18-25) acts as an extended footnote of 1,16, which has already hinted at a virginal conception. In apocalyptic circles, outpouring of Holy Spirit was awaited as a sign of the last days. In Mary, the Holy Spirit acts as God’s life-giving power (1,18). Therefore the virginal conception is not just another miracle but an eschatological event. Joseph’s human calculations are cut short by a sudden divine intervention. It is an apocalyptic flavour for the angel evokes the messianic prophecies of the future king to Joseph. The angel again revealed that Joseph need not have scruples, for the child’s real origin lies not with Davidic or any human lineage, but with the creative power of God’s Spirit (1,20). Since Joseph followed God’s will, his life entered the cosmic drama wherein heaven and earth met in the child of Mary’s womb. This eschatological birth far surpasses the miraculous births in the Old Testament. In Hebrew Scriptures, the Spirit of God was linked with God’s creating power, the words of the prophets, and God’s renewal of creation in the last days. These elements are unfolded in the divine intervention that has taken place with Mary and Joseph.
