ADVENT Gospel for Wednesday, December 18 Fourth Week of Advent

 

Matthew 1:18-25

Now 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. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 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. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. 25 He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.

 REFLECTION

This Gospel story represents pretty much the entire knowledge we have of Joseph from the scriptures. We know almost nothing about him except that he is from the House of David.

We have no words attributed to him. But perhaps Jesus was recalling his earthly father when he said to the crowds “wisdom is vindicated by her works”. Matt 11:19 Over the years, we know of Joseph’s faithfulness, courage and trust in God exclusively through his actions.

What a great example for living a life and doing what the Lord commands of us. If you or I never said another word what would our actions show?

As Advent comes to its fulfillment, let’s try an experiment to see how many good works you and I might do in silence without drawing attention to ourselves.

When I think of Joseph and his dream, I picture him thrashing about on his sweat-soaked bed in misery, agony, and doubt. Sleep does not come easily as his mind is racing with plans of what to do next. What should have been the happiest time in his life has been torn from him by this scandal. This Mary he has fallen in love with, this simple, peaceful young girl has been found out. How could she have done this? How could she have deceived him?

With a single message that he surely does not completely understand, Joseph is able to summon all his courage and faith and do the most daring thing possible; to go against all conventions, religious and social mores and take Mary into his home. These are not easy times. The Holy Spirit has ambushed Joseph and asked him to do the complete opposite of what he knows is right in the law and from this cataclysm of faith comes the birth of Jesus who will save us all.  From confusion comes certainty, from chaos comes peace, such are the ways of the Spirit. Such are the mysteries that surround the Nativity.

ANONYMOUS