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
They shall name him Emmanuel which means “God is with us.”
When someone we love is with us we are very happy. Even in silence there is a unified flow of peace shared with one another. Today’s Gospel focuses on Joseph—honoring his righteousness, faith, and listening to God. He loved Mary, He loved God. God spoke to him in his dreams.
When one embraces God’s Will we are open to the unexpected and the fire of the Holy Spirit, letting go of our desires, wants and fears of the unknown. Unfortunately some think of God’s Will as a confinement or imprisonment that we are not able to find an exit. As we begrudgingly resign our will, we think rules, if not followed and obeyed, will have consequences. Fear is the driving force.
With hope and trust we respond to His love and His Will. We meet together in our hearts. As St Joseph, we hope to respond with full faithfulness and total abandonment to God.
Emmanuel— God with us— enters our messiness, brokenness, and loneliness. May we say “yes” as Mary and allow Him to help us rid of fear, control and doubt.
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