Daily reflection _ a man of incredible faith

A MAN OF INCREDIBLE FAITH
The old expression, "life is what happens when you are making other plans" could be said of Joseph today.
Deacon John Ruscheinsky
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.