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Fourth Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-24
Summary
Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found
with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph, being honorable, was going to
divorce her quietly. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and
told him the child had been conceived through the Holy Spirit, the child will
be a boy, and you will name Him Jesus. He will save people from their sins.
When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel told him, took Mary into his
home.
Reflection
God through the angel told Joseph, “do not be afraid…” These are words
unspoken that always precede God’s word when He asks us to do His work.
This time of year sparks generosity of spirit and deed. Perhaps we partici-
pate in adopt a family, or contribute to a special charity. We do this in His
name, and it pleases Him. God sometimes, however, asks us to push our-
selves further. While it is unlikely that we will ever be asked to be as strong
as Joseph, or undertake such a weighty task, there are many times that we
hear God’s voice in our heart, telling us to do something, and know exactly
what it is we need to do. Maybe it’s standing up for someone, or reaching
out to someone with compassion, or volunteering to do an undesirable task.
Many times we don’t immediately comply. Why not? Why do we hesitate?
Why do we look for a way to avoid or delay, even though we know in our
heart of hearts that God has instructed us to do his work? Sometimes it is
an unpleasant task – something that takes us away from our comfort zone.
Sometimes it is self-doubt that keeps us from
doing what He wants us to do – afraid that
perhaps we are not capable. Today’s Gospel
tells of Joseph, who finds out Mary is preg-
nant, and rather than cast her out in shame,
which he certainly could have, he was going
to divorce her quietly, because as the Gospel
says, “… he was a righteous man...” It is