Today’s gospel puts the spotlight on St. Joseph. I have written about my great love and respect for St. Joseph in an earlier GVM reflection. We are treated to the beginning of his story of love, sacrifice, and devotion as Mary’s spouse and Jesus’s earthly father in this reading.
I am taken aback by his courage and faithfulness. Matthew 1:18-25 is the recounted story of Mary with child before she and St. Joseph are married. Joseph is going to quietly end the engagement, or betrothal, as to not shame her. However, the angel comes to him and tells him to take her as his wife. He tells Joseph that the child will be called Jesus and will save people from their sins.
And so, St. Joseph does as the angel says. The salvation story continues to unfold.
Etched on My Heart
Last week, at Paul’s funeral, Father Maurice gave a beautiful homily. He said many important things. One, in particular, has stayed with me. Right when Father said it, I jotted it down and put it in my bag. I take it out and read the words, even though they are already etched on my heart.
“Love does not die; it transforms.” Love does not die. It transforms. I think when we remind ourselves of this on a regular basis, it changes the way we see the world. It changes the way we interact with people.
St. Joseph, in today’s gospel reading, is a perfect example of Father’s quote. He did not throw away his love for Mary. Instead, he allowed it to literally transform the world. His love, in part, helped shape salvation history so that you and I have the opportunity to love and serve our God.
As we draw closer to Christmas and the birth of the Christ child, I dare you to allow your love to transform. Share in God’s legacy of love.
