Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24
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 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 conceive 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 commanded him, and
took his wife into his home.
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Reflection:
The story is told about a husband who planned to become rich so that he could provide all the material
things for his family. However, his wife advised him that it would also be fine even if they will not become rich. The wife further said that what is important for her is to have a happy, God centered and closely-knit family.
What would you do if you were in the predicament of Saint Joseph? Would you also listen to the angel of God or you would loudly protest the injustice done to your honor and not listen anymore to the angel?
What would you do if you were in the predicament of Saint Joseph? Would you also listen to the angel of God or you would loudly protest the injustice done to your honor and not listen anymore to the angel?
I think that it is safe to say that you will protest the insult done to your
personhood. Imagine not fathering the baby that is being carried in the womb of
your wife? For a while Joseph quietly opposed the plan of God but he was
prevailed upon by the angel sent by God. From thereon he had no complaints
whatsoever he humbly listened to the angel of God.
In Saint Joseph we see a rational man who will humbly ask God questions
on what is happening to his life. But upon the revelation of an angel through
his dream that he would be part of the plan of God for humanity’s salvation. He
did not ask questions anymore, Saint Joseph humbly and quietly obeyed.
What does this say about us? We also have our own plans for ourselves,
plans to achieve prominent things for our own family’s welfare and so forth.
But there are times that it will not become a reality no matter how hard we try
to execute it. And that’s when we must deeply understand that God has a plan
for us which is very much different than what we have planned for. We may never
know what his plans are right now but He has a plan and that is surely for our
own good.
It is said that, when God closes a door in our life He will certainly
open a window. The door that closed in the life of Saint Joseph was his plan to
become a biological father. And what was the window that opened? Saint Joseph
became the foster father of Jesus. Saint Joseph also became a party to God’s
plan of salvation because he saved the Blessed Mother from condemnation,
ridicule and even brutal death by stoning.
So, if the cloud ahead of you seems hazy, darkened and thundering be
patient; continue to quietly soldier on. Be like Saint Joseph: Humble,
obedient, quite, uncomplaining and has a listening ear for the voice of God.
Because God has a plan for you as well it may seem unclear right now but God
has a plan and that is for your own good. – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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