Hello friends, as we approach the joyful season of Christmas, the Gospel readings gradually draw us closer to the meaning of what we are preparing for, the incarnation of Jesus which is the essence of our faith. Today, I want to invite you to join me in a meditation on Matthew 1:18-25, a passage that offers a profound opportunity for contemplation and spiritual enrichment. It reveals to us the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ and the unwavering faith of Joseph.
The essence of Divine Intervention (Verses
18-19):
The story begins with a simple yet profound statement:
“This is
how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.” Immediately, Matthew draws us
into a narrative that transcends the ordinary. It is the Extra-Ordinary, God Himself,
using human reality of marriage to make Himself visible. Mary, betrothed to
Joseph, is found to be with a child through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is
a divine intervention, revealing God’s omnipotence, the fulfillment of prophecies
of old.
Joseph’s reaction is quite significant. Despite
his initial plan to quietly divorce Mary, and thus save her from public disgrace
and being stoned to death, Joseph demonstrated a strong sense of humanity and
respect towards Mary. He teaches us the importance of being human and respectful
even in extreme situations. It is because of this action that Joseph is always presented
as a man of righteousness and integrity, even in the face of incomprehensible
circumstances.
The Role of Dreams and Divine Guidance
(Verses 20-21).
In a dream, an angle of the Lord appears to
Joseph dispelling his fears and revealing God’s plan. This underscores for us
the importance of dreams and divine guidance in our spiritual journey. The
angel’s message to Joseph in a dream, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary home as
your wife," is a directive filled with power and reassurance. It
reminds us of the need to trust in God’s plan for us, for our world, even when
it’s beyond our understanding.
Furthermore, the angle reveals the child’s
name, Jesus, meaning “the Lord saves”. It is a declaration of the purpose of
Christ's coming into the world - to save humanity. This questions also the
practice of giving name to newborn babies. As Christians, it is important to give
to our children names that will be meaningful for their faith.
Obedience and Faith (Verses 22-25).
The evangelist Matthew takes a great care to link this miraculous event wit the fulfillment of the prophecy: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet”. Joseph's immediate obedience upon waking from the dream is a testament to unshakeable faith. This serves as a powerful example to us, especially during this season of Advent, to listen for God’s guidance and respond with immediate and unwavering faith. The connection of Jesus’ birth with the prophecy of the Old Testament (Isaiah 7:14), shows us that it is part of God’s grand design, a fulfillment of the entire history of salvation.
As we meditate on this passage, let us
consider our own response to God's interventions in our lives. Are we like
Joseph, ready to act in faith even when God’s plans seem mysterious or
challenging? Do we really feel concerned and touched by the fact that God sent us
his only Son born in such a humble circumstance for our salvation? The virgin birth of Jesus is a cornerstone of our faith, a miracle that
heralds the beginning of our salvation. It invites us to ponder the depth of
God's love for us. It is the Specificity of Christianity, what distinguishes us
essentially from other religions.
Therefore, let us welcome today’s Gospel as
a call to faith, obedience, and trust in God's plan. As we prepare for
Christmas, let us carry these virtues in our hearts, celebrating the birth of
our Savior with renewed faith and profound gratitude. Let this season be a time
of spiritual renewal and deepened commitment to living out the values of the
Gospel in our daily lives.
For video version see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZiyEBKpnUw.
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May St Joseph intercede for broken families
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