Today's antiphon, O Sapientia: O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge! (Isaiah 11:2–3; 28:29)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 1:1-17)

Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Presenting the genealogy of Jesus Christ, Matthew traces the lineage of Jesus from Abraham through David to Joseph, the husband of Mary. By his direct connection from Abraham and David, from David to the exile in Babylon, and from the exile to Jesus, Matthew provides a genealogy that establishes Jesus as the Messiah in fulfilling all of God's promises to the patriarchs. These are the credentials of Jesus the Messiah, establishing his identity. In other words, Jesus is in truth who he claims to be. By including a long list of names, forty-two generations, Matthew provides not only a historical account but also the context of Jesus’ birth within all the breadth of salvation history.

God, you are Wisdom Most High who guides all of creation by your power and love. Teach me the path to knowledge of you. What is there in human wisdom that could compare with yours? Give me the grace to hear and receive your wisdom through scriptures, through the Holy Spirit, and through the sacraments of the Church. You are love itself. Guide me today in your love and make me your instrument; teach me to depend on you, trusting in the way you lead.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.