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.
Mary and Joseph
1. Joseph. In today’s Gospel, we see Joseph experiencing a great dilemma. 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 not distraught. He has courage and temperance as well. He does not victimize himself and he doesn’t look the other way. Instead, he handles this critical situation in a prudent manner. 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 said, “Do not fear”. 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 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. Mary. We could say that all her life was already planned and set out for her, but the Angel appeared to her, and everything changed. There are times when we believe that our life is already mapped out and that we just have to comply. But there are many surprises in life! Today you might receive a piece of news that will change your day and your life. Anchor your life in faith, not in people. Everyone and everything is passing in life, but God will remain with you forever. Allow God’s hand to touch your life.
Often, we are like Joseph not understanding the crisis we face, but like him, we must trust and not be afraid because God is with us. Like Joseph, let’s trust and take Mary into our home and our heart. Let’s pray the Rosary, pray three ‘Hail Mary’ before bed, contemplate an image of the Virgin Mary.
Remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
