Fr. Dolan: Jesus’s Infancy Narratives are more than meets the eye

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The road to the cross ran clearly through Bethlehem, according to Father Patrick Dolan.

Imagery in the Infancy Narratives — perhaps more accurately, the Origin Narratives — of Jesus in the Gospel books of Matthew and Luke foreshadow His passion, death and resurrection, the priest stated.

“As such, they really serve as introductions to the Gospel, the Good News, with particular goals in mind by each evangelist,” said Fr. Dolan, volunteer sacrament minister for St. Mary Parish in Milan and the Mission of St. Mary in Unionville and priest in service to Hispanic Ministry.

The priest gave two informal talks on the Infancy Narratives after Wednesday morning Masses this Advent in Immaculate Conception Church in Brookfield.

“I was trying to help people understand how to see the Infancy Narratives in Luke and Matthew as introductions to the Gospel,” he said.

“Both are trying to make sure that the important religious concepts, themes and covenants of the Old Testament find a new and greater fulfillment in the New Testament, in the coming of Christ,” he said.

These introductions highlight themes that will be explored in greater detail throughout the narratives of Jesus’s adult ministry, passion, death and resurrection.

Fr. Dolan pointed to the many names and descriptions given to Jesus in both infancy narratives:

  • In Luke — “Son of the Most High”; “Son of God”; “Messiah and Lord”; “Salvation”; “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and Glory for Your People Israel”; “filled with wisdom”; and “God’s favor was upon Him”
  • In Matthew — “Son of David”; “Son of Abraham”; “Messiah”; One Who “will save people from their sins”; “God is With Us”; “Newborn King of the Jews;” “Ruler”; “Shepherd”; and “Nazarene”

The priest spoke of the symbolism of the infant Jesus being placed in a manger. Some Scripture scholars believe this harkens back to Isaiah 1:3 — “An ox knows its owner, and an ass, its master’s manger; but Israel does not know, my people has not understood.”

That verse points to the difference between knowing the source of something and knowing the ultimate source of that source.

It is another foreshadowing of the Passion and death Jesus would suffer at the hands of people who misunderstood the higher purpose of sacred and secular law, Fr. Dolan stated.

The priest emphasized how Jesus’s Passion casts a shadow onto the narratives of His infancy and childhood.

For instance, the Infancy Narratives bring the infant and child Jesus into the company of some of the same types of secular and religious leaders who would help define His adult ministry.

The priest likened the three days Jesus’s parents spent looking for Him before finding Him in the Temple to the three days Jesus would spend in the tomb before His resurrection.

Likewise, the three Wise Men departing by a different route after paying homage to Jesus foreshadows how the Apostles would head out in all directions after Jesus’s Ascension and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon them.

“We cannot read these narratives and not come away with a clear understanding that Jesus came to bring the Good News of salvation to His own people and to the Gentiles alike,” said Fr. Dolan.

“The Incarnation is far-reaching and inclusive,” he said. “It is truly meant for all of us.”

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