Begin with the Ear & Aim for the Heart
A Reflection for the 4th Sunday of Advent by Brent Smith
Director of Adult Faith Formation & Evangelization
Joseph praised for his fidelity to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus, got help from above. According to the Gospel for this Sunday, Joseph originally decided to respectfully part ways with his bride-to-be. Although his plan “to divorce her quietly” (Mt 1:19) might sound cowardly of him to do, he only knew with certainty two facts: 1) Mary’s baby was not his own, and 2) Deuteronomy mentions the right to divorce. Did Joseph seek an exit from the relationship? Yes, at least in part because he respected the laws of Jewish society. Did he know the preborn child was none other than the savior of the world? Yes, but only after our heavenly Father sent an angel to tell him!
Prior to Joseph’s extraordinary dream, the virtue of righteousness is correctly applied to his character. This devout man of God deserves another compliment, namely his expression of lovingkindness. Like benevolence, this virtue is seen when someone defends the dignity of another person. Matthew’s Gospel tells us Joseph was “unwilling to expose her to shame” (Mt 1:19). Thanks be to God, Mary’s role in Salvation is preserved! Due to Joseph’s reaction to the angel’s words during his dream, we can acknowledge him as obedient to the will of the Heavenly Father.
In our own lives, those virtues are often challenging to put into practice. Whenever one of us is confronted by anxiety-ridden circumstances, where can we look for guidance? I suggest the lives of Joseph and Mary, for they persevered through uncertain situations. How did they do so? Both opened their ears in prayer and allowed the mercy of the Heavenly Father to penetrate their hearts. The way forward soon appeared, and the rest is history.
Please pray with me: Lord Jesus, draw us into the company of your beloved parents, Mary and Joseph. In doing so, prepare our minds & hearts for your coming!