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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Joseph... Do not be afraid

Joseph... Do not be afraid

Published Mar 18, 2024 11:04 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

Joseph is described as a righteous man who is faithful to the Law of Moses. This is why he wants to sever his union with Mary, so as not to be married to one who has transgressed the Law. However, Joseph is not only just; he is merciful. He does not want to expose Mary to shame, for if found guilty, she would be put to death. He deals with all of these with discretion. 


The matter is at this point when Joseph receives the message from the angel in a dream telling him not to be afraid to take Mary into his home as his wife, for she has conceived through the Holy Spirit. Joseph has his own plans, but after knowing God’s will, he obeys, acknowledging that God’s plan is greater than his own. 


From Isaiah we read: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (55:9). Yes, God’s plan is greater than our own! Joseph put God’s will above his own. Have I experienced giving up my own plans in favor of God’s will for me? Whenever I make a decision, do I pray for discernment?

 

Gospel • Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a 

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. 


Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, 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.” 


When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.


 

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