By Shanborlang Mawrie csc
Readings: Jer 23: 5-8; Mt 1: 18-25
The season of Advent reminds us of God’s promises and their fulfilment. Jeremiah prophesies that God will raise up a righteous descendant from David’s line, who will rule with justice and wisdom. This is understood as a prophecy about Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who fulfils these promises.
Joseph, a descendant of David, plays a crucial role in this fulfilment. He is a righteous man who faces a dilemma when he learns that Mary is pregnant. He does not want to expose her to public disgrace, but also does not understand how this could happen. He decides to divorce her quietly, but God intervenes and reveals his plan to him. God sends an angel in a dream to Joseph, who tells him that Mary’s child is conceived by the Holy Spirit and that he should name him Jesus. Joseph obeys God and takes Mary as his wife, trusting in God’s promises. He becomes the foster father of Jesus and the protector of the Holy Family.
God calls us, like Joseph, to be righteous and faithful, even when we face difficulties or confusion. God does not abandon us but guides us and gives us the grace to fulfil his will. God entrusts us with his promises and his presence, and counts on us to cooperate with him.