Excerpt from Today's Reading:
"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."
Matthew 1:15-16
 

I recently received a package in the mail that was beautifully wrapped in Christmas paper. I was taken by surprise since I had discussed with Maria, a close friend in Rhode Island, that this year, rather than exchange gifts we did not need or want, we would donate instead to local charities. In a follow up phone call, she insisted that it was not a Christmas present but a token of her appreciation. I opened the package to reveal a nightlight in the form of a Christmas tree comprised of a pastiche of photographs depicting special events in my life that I had experienced with family, colleagues and friends. 
 
In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew presents the genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob from the house of David. Often depicted schematically as a tree in art and the stained glass windows of Saint Denis and the Cathedrals of Paris and Chartres. The Tree of Jesse not only represents the royal lineage of Jesus but also serves to remind us that He is part of the human race and one of us. Through the Gospels, we know some of His birth family, His mother Mary, His father Joseph and relatives including John the Baptist; however, it is not until he enters public life that we come to learn more of his family and His ministry.  We learn with whom He chose to fulfill His mission on earth and those who enriched His life including the Apostles, Disciples and friends like Martha, Mary and Lazarus.  We also learn of His gift for healing the sick and infirm.
 
I remember a time when many of the current benefits and rights afforded the LGBTQ community including marriage, adoption and the privilege of serving our country did not exist; I also remember a childhood when the Catholic Church defined family as one man, one woman and one child.  During these challenging times, factions within our political system are attempting to reverse the gains made by the LGBTQ community; even within the Catholic Church, I am disappointed and embarrassed to acknowledge, factions are attempting to deny us the sacraments gained by our baptism.
 
I now recognize that the Christmas tree holds more meaning than a simple gift or a nightlight; the photographs on the Christmas tree represent my family -  both my blood family as well as the many colleagues and friends who have become family. 

It is comforting to me that our family and friends, our colleagues at OSP and the Church of St. Paul the Apostle help us prepare during this Advent Season for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas, engage meaningfully with our Catholic faith and help us reaffirm our value as being Gay and Catholic.

George Y.