FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT DECEMBER 18, 2020

MASS READINGS:

A reading from the holy Gospel according to 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.

REFLECTION: 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.

We all have had times of broken promises resulting in uncertainty and anxiety.

Think of a time when we received bad news. We might first react with disbelief. Maybe anger or betrayal take over our thoughts.

At first blush, it seemed that Mary had been unfaithful to Joseph, the man who was to marry her.

But for one who had faith in God, St Joseph stopped and pondered the situation. He loved Mary and with this sole thought he asked God for help.

We have been taught through FACEZBS the necessity of critical catholic thinking. We are to assess the problem, question and collect the information or situation before us rather than to react at the face value. We are to analyze or interpret the collected information, and after careful evaluation, determine the consequences or implications of any decision. Joseph could either expose Mary or divorce her quietly.

God answers our prayers in many different ways. An angel of the Lord in the dream of St Joseph was a sign of God's approval. In the darkest moments of our life, God will give us the courage not to fear.

God Bless You