SATURDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 18, 2021

MASS READINGS

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Mt1:18-25

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

"and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us."

PAPA just had a seminar on St Joseph. We consecrated to St Joseph rightfully ending the “Year of St Joseph“ with a clearer and better understanding of the role of St Joseph in the lives of Mother Mary and Jesus. And in turn, our lives.

It boils down to obedience. Mary obeyed, St Joseph obeyed and we are asked to obey as well.

Imagine, truly believing and therefore, truly obeying, that God knows everything, and that what He wants for us, no matter what, is to have us eternally be with Him.

What St Joseph shows us is that our complete trust in obedience to God is all for good; inspite of what the future held for them. It would all turn out for good, no matter how rough the road would be, how impoverished they would be and the many thorns and crosses they were meant to carry. Despite great difficulties and dangers, the Will of God would surpass all doubt and confusion.

Thought for the Day:

God is with us all the time. He is with us in our prodigal children, friends and in very difficult moments such as the tornadoes of the Midwest.

Pray that we accept in faith what is happening in our lives. We should ask God, as The Spirit did in a dream, to show us in a resounding way that we are not forgotten. Read the Bible, attend FACEZBS, listen to the podcasts, see the videos, attend our conferences and retreats. The more we love Jesus, the more we will love to pray for our priests.

Emmanuel, God is with us.

God bless you!

Merry Christmas !!