25th December 2024
Lectionary Readings: Is 9:1-6, Ps 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13, Ti 2:11-14, Lk 2:1-14
Theme: The Messiah has come!
At that time, some Jewish individuals posed an important question: “How can we be certain that the Messiah was born in Bethlehem?” In response, some suggested, “The deeds of the Messiah will reveal the truth.” However, others raised a valid point, asking, “Can the Messiah really act as a baby?”
The quest for the Messiah has deep roots in Jewish tradition, and the answers to this quest are diverse. One significant perspective is offered in the Gospel of Luke, but it finds even richer expression in the Protevangelium of James (PJ). This text beautifully outlines the Jewish context surrounding Jesus, introducing us to his esteemed grandparents, Anna and Joachim, who dedicated their lives to service in the Temple. It also highlights Mary, who was educated in the Temple Boarding School, and Joseph, a prosperous widower from Nazareth, who was divinely guided to welcome Mary at the Temple.
In this profound Jewish setting, we also encounter the miraculous birth of Mary, conceived through divine intervention, which paves the way for the extraordinary birth of Jesus.
Let’s reflect: which event is more astonishing—the burning bush that is not consumed, or the miraculous birth of Jesus? The Protevangelium of James addresses the common Jewish inquiry about Jesus’ messianic status by assuring those who may be hesitant that the signs and deeds of the Messiah have already pointed to his arrival. His birth transcends the natural order and possesses a unique Messianic significance: “I saw the sheep walking, and the sheep stood still; the shepherd raised his hand to strike them, and his hand remained up. I looked upon the current of the river and saw the mouths of the kids resting on the water but not drinking, and in an instant, all things were driven from their course” (PJ 18).
This exploration invites us to consider the profound implications of these narratives and their significance in our understanding of the Messiah.
Western Christians have too often neglected the significant Jewish Messianic evidence of Jesus, causing this beautiful story to be hidden from view. This negligence has, in turn, led to the exclusion of women from the narrative. Throughout history, countless Christian women have faced numerous challenges as a result of this exclusion. When Christians dismiss the essential contributions of Jews and women in sharing the beauty of Messianic deeds, the world suffers profoundly. We must acknowledge and be grateful to God, who “suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were frightened; and the angels said, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased’” (Luke 2:14).
For Reflection and Discussion: 1. Am I ready to embrace the spirit of the Christmas celebration? 2. Reflect on the profound narrative in Luke 2:1-14 as you explore the rich themes found in the Protevangelium of James (PJ). Delve into the deep Jewish roots of PJ and uncover its unique provenance, revealing the layers of meaning within these sacred texts.
Bibliography:McKenzie,J.L.DictionaryoftheBible(NewYork:1965);http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/infancyjames.html;http://gcatholic.org/CatholicStudy
This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Dunhill Malunar Timkang, Israel-Jerusalem, Bat Kol Alumna/Alumnus:2023
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