Advent 3rd Wk December 18, 2018
Reflection on the WORD
Joseph: In today’s Gospel, when Joseph found that Mary was with child, he decided to divorce her informally, to prevent her from being accused and stoned to death. Joseph, a truly upright man, is always caring and protective of the good of others. Pray also for the grace to be as upright as Joseph.
Mt 1:18-21,24
This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being an upright man and wanting to spare her disgrace, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’
When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- •In today’s Gospel, God makes His Will known to Mary and Joseph in divine ways that they can comprehend.
- •If our hearts are open to God’s Spirit and our love for Him is deep enough, then we too will be able to sense His Will in our lives. We will then not allow the pains and trials of life to “confuse” our emotions and clutter our minds.
- •How true is this of us? How often do we push God to the background of our lives because our pride is hurt or our ego is not satisfied? Pray for the grace of humility which will open our minds and hearts to live in God’s Ways.