St. Joseph's Example for When Life becomes Uncertain

Gospel Reflection for September 8, 2025

“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.’” (Mt. 1:18-23 NABRE)

Joseph had found himself in a very difficult situation when the woman he was betrothed to had been found with child. He had plans to marry this woman and had likely spent a great deal of time envisioning what life would be like together with her. Yet, all in an instant, in Joseph’s mind, this plan for his life had completely dissolved.

He was probably left feeling confused, abandoned, and unsure about the future; however, he still sought to handle the situation righteously. It had seemed that adultery had been committed, which would have resulted in Mary being exposed to shame and being killed for this apparent sin. Yet, Joseph desired to protect Mary, even in his pain, by remaining quiet regarding her pregnancy and their divorce.

He didn’t seek revenge or fall into hatred or resentment, rather, though Joseph was most likely hurt, he demonstrated love.

Despite his plan to divorce Mary, however, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, calling him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife into his home. The angel explained that Mary’s pregnancy was Divine and she conceived through the Holy Spirit.

Like Joseph, we often face difficult situations and decisions that cause us pain, confusion, and worry.

May we, like him, seek always to respond to these situations with holiness, righteousness, and love, striving to honor the Lord and follow Him in how we live and make decisions. We are called to trust in Jesus, to surrender our lives and all control to Him, and to trust Him to lead the way even when we don’t understand or know what to expect.

When life becomes uncertain and we face painful situations, may we respond with love and trust in the Lord, just as Joseph did. May we remember that God is always with us.

“I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9)