Advent II: December 21st
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24
Joseph’s Dream

The Jewish law permits the stoning to death of women who are unchaste. The news of Mary’s pregnancy before marriage left Joseph perplexed, but he was a righteous man who was unwilling to publicly shame her. He merely desired to quietly repudiate her.

St. Matthew, adopting the distinctive style of the Semitic people, informs us that an angel conversed with Joseph through a dream and revealed to him the mission of Jesus. This mission of Jesus aligns precisely with the mission of the Messiah foretold by countless prophets in the Old Testament, thus proving that the Christ conceived by the Virgin Mary is indeed a Savior who can bring salvation to the people of Israel. However, this Savior has now become very weak and small, requiring His creatures to nurture Him.

Today, each of us carries a dream within, and we all yearn to establish a closer connection with God. Joseph sets an example for us. He endured the disapproval from many for marrying a virgin who was pregnant before marriage and had been engaged to him. However, after their marriage, he did not consummate their union. After the child’s birth, he named him Jesus, as commanded by the Lord’s angel, rather than naming him Joseph or any other name from his relatives, thus demonstrating his righteousness and his infinite obedience to God’s holy will. With his humility and obedience, he assisted God and, together with Christ, completed God’s salvation project. Likewise, we must emulate the great Saint Joseph, living out the spirit of God’s holy word in our lives, fully entrusting ourselves to assist our Mother Church in continuing to fulfill her mission on earth.

Most Holy Joseph, please pray for us. Amen.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025