Problem…solution?

Friday January 8, 2021

Gabriel’s annunciation to Mary of her unexpected and exceedingly incredible divine pregnancy seems to the casual reader to be an exciting start to God’s redeeming action.  Mary’s “fiat”  “be it done to me as you say” was not in any way passive.  No.  She was taking on the full weight of the Heavenly conception. 

But So was Joseph.  Joseph’s first annunciation came from his angel, his betrothed, Mary.  She most likely was the one to tell him that she was with child…and then the incredible story of the angel’s words and the Divine sonship.  The weight of this message first laid heavy on his heart.  We know what he decided to do. “Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,^* yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.” (Mt 1:19)

But Joseph had his own annunciation.  The angel came to him in a dream and not only revealed the truth of the child in his beloved’s womb, but the name Joseph was to give him.

What is our lesson from St. Joseph today?  Not all problems need simple quick solutions. Because some problems are possibilities in disguise.

1. No matter how good or righteous we think we are, or best intentioned with our choice, we need to make room for God and His word in our life and choices.
2. St. Joseph’s dream teaches us that God always has something more in store for us, if we simply do our part and trust in His Love.  Joseph needed to both trust Mary and trust God.

St. Joseph, pray for us.