Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 1, 18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill
what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
He had no relations with her until she bore a son,
and he named him Jesus.
Do not be afraid
1) Joseph’s crisis. Here we see Joseph experiencing a big dilemma. He feels deceived, he doesn’t understand the situation. He is shaken to his core… Have you ever felt that way? Have you had organized, concrete plans that were ruined by something totally unexpected? Joseph is confused, but he never reacts uncontrollably. Instead, he handles this crisis situation in a prudent manner, like a gentleman. He decided to quietly leave her in secret. How often have we wanted to avoid difficult situations? We should ask St. Joseph to help us be patient and prudent in times of crisis.
2) The Angel says, “Do not be afraid.” Even today when we face a crisis or conflict, God’s light comes through saying to us “Do not be afraid”. When you can’t see a way out of your problems there will always be an Angel (in the form of a friend or family member, perhaps) that will show you the “hand of God” in the situation. Allow God to illuminate you; be alert and look for the help God is sending to save you.
3) He takes Mary. Joseph trusts and takes Mary into his home. During this time, we should take Mary with us: pray the Rosary, pray 3 Hail Mary’s before bed, contemplate an image of The Virgin Mary… With Mary everything is easier. Pray to her to ask her son to help you. Allow God’s hand to touch your life.
Often, we are like Joseph not understanding the crisis we face, but trust and “do not be afraid” because God will make the best of the situation. Remember, Christmas is Jesus!
God bless you in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
And remember Heaven is our goal.
