Advent II: December 18th
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

If we view the situation from the perspective of an observer, an unmarried woman who becomes pregnant before marrying her betrothed is often regarded as unfaithful to her commitment, as it is commonly assumed she may have engaged in an extramarital affair or sexual relations with another man. Joseph may have thought the same at the time, but as a righteous man, he was unwilling to publicly disgrace her. According to Israelite tradition, if a woman became pregnant before marriage, her fiancéé was to stone her to death publicly. Therefore, Joseph intended to divorce Mary quietly in accordance with the Mosaic Law (cf. Deuteronomy 22:23-24), so as to preserve her honour.

St. Matthew tells us that when the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, he not only explained that the child conceived in Mary’s womb was of the Holy Spirit but also revealed the mission of Jesus Christ: that Christ would redeem His people from their sins. Without delay and despite the pressure, Joseph took the Virgin Mary into his home, thereby setting an example for us.

May St. Joseph, who always fulfilled the holy will of God, and the Blessed Virgin Mary intercede for us, that we too may prepare our hearts and minds to welcome the Nativity of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025