A MAN OF INCREDIBLE FAITH
The old expression, "life is what happens when you are making other
plans" could be said of Joseph today.
Today's Gospel
shows how Joseph, a descendant of David, took Mary as his wife and adopted her
child as his own. The results of his action was that Jesus was incorporated
into the house of David in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. But the
Gospel contains a puzzling element. The angel assured Joseph that he should not
fear to take Mary as his wife. What was Joseph afraid of? Knowing Mary, could
he possibly have thought that she had been unfaithful to him? No.
Joseph's fear, was
not about Mary. It was about himself. Humble as he was, he could not see how he
of all people should presume to become the husband of someone who had been
touched by God. He felt unworthy to take part in so holy a situation. The word
of the angel did not give Joseph information but direction---to go ahead with
his marriage. Joseph believed in the divine message to take Mary as his wife
and to accept the child in her womb as the promised Messiah. Like Mary, Joseph
is a model of faith for us. He is a faithful witness and servant of God's
unfolding plan of redemption. The old expression, "life is what happens
when you are making other plans" could be said of Joseph today. Our plans
could make a sudden change for us as well; in fact I am sure you can think of
times throughout your life that they did.
Points to Pray and
Ponder: How did you handle it at the time, think about it. Were you angry,
anxiety, uncertain what to do? Or were you ready to believe in the promises of
God, even when faced with perplexing circumstances and change and what seems
like insurmountable problems? God has not left us alone! As we prepare to
celebrate Christmas, the feast of the Incarnation, with joyful hearts and let
us renew our faith and hope in God.