One of the Gospel readings used for the Fourth Sunday of Advent is Matthew 1:18-24. In this passage St. Joseph learns that Mary is with child. Because he recognized Mary's profound holiness and divine connection, he felt unworthy to take her as his wife and interfere with God's plan for salvation, so he decided to divorce her quietly out of humility because quiet separation would protect Mary's reputation.
An angel then visited Joseph in a dream and said, “Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife 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.”
The angel reassured St. Joseph not to fear being in the presence of the Mother and the Son of God, for he had a critical part to play in God's plan of salvation. What overwhelming news to receive! Many of us might have questions and might even laugh at such a seemingly outlandish claim.
But not St. Joseph. That first Advent he obeyed God’s command, even though he may have had trouble grasping it.
Radical trust is a hard virtue to develop. Yet our Father calls each of us to have faith in Him even when nothing makes sense. He will always guide us through life’s challenges if we only believe and obey Him, like St. Joseph.
This Advent, let’s offer all our problems to God and make a radical act of trust in His goodness, knowing that with Him nothing is impossible. The Christ Child is on His way and will bring salvation to our broken world.
St. Joseph, pray for us!
