St. Joseph
Gospel Reflection for December 18, 2023
“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.’ 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.” (Mt. 1:18-25 NABRE)
Joseph offers a great example for us to follow in this beautiful Gospel passage. When Joseph found out that his betrothed was with child, he handled the situation as a man of God. He did not lash out or seek to “get back at” Mary, and he didn’t go around telling everyone what had happened. Rather, Joseph acted righteously and sought to protect Mary, even when she had seemingly done wrong by him. He decided to divorce Mary quietly in order to protect her from being shamed, and even from being stoned to death for her apparent sins.
Though Joseph could have easily lashed out and made a scene, he chose to handle the situation with love and compassion.
May we strive to respond likewise when we are wronged, hurt, or offended by someone in our own lives. Instead of growing angry or desiring to get revenge, may we lean on God and allow His love, forgiveness, and compassion to pour through us. Two wrongs don’t make a right! So, let’s overcome any form of evil we face with good. 😊
Keep in mind the divinely inspired words of St. Paul:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ Rather, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.’ Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21 NABRE)
Further, not only must we strive to grow in righteousness and to be loving and compassionate, but may we also respond to the Lord with faith and trust as Joseph did. After being told by the Lord to take Mary into his home, Joseph immediately did so. He probably was still confused and had many questions, but he trusted the Lord and obeyed. Let us also trust in God with our lives.
"He probably was still confused and had many questions, but he trusted the Lord and obeyed. Let us also trust in God with our lives."
Amen!
I have studied the history, culture and mentality of the Jewish people and world of Joseph's day. However, it was totally an intellectual pursuit. I never have thought of it in such human terms thru Joseph's eyes. I not only have more admiration for Joseph, but realize that tho a silent man, his "actions really do speak louder than words".