March 19, 2005

Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. 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. 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. "When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

Joseph listened to an angel in a dream. He did not understand what had happened but he was willing to listen to the message of the angel and do as the angel had commanded him and take Mary as his wife. His faith in God was tremendous to believe and live what was asked of him. Faith calls me to do many things that I do not understand at the time. Sometimes I need to see that my heart is in the right place and follow the message of God where it may lead without understanding but knowing that the Holy Spirit is at work. Joseph was called to do what was against his culture of the time but what was a loving act to marry Mary and be the father to Jesus without questioning or condemning or rejecting her knowing that he had not fathered Jesus. This required more love as a father of Joseph. God always calls us to love. When troubled about where God is in a situation, I need to remember to ask what is the way to love in this.