MONDAY HOMILY – 18TH DECEMBER, 3RD WEEK SEASON OF ADVENT (YEAR B)
THEME: HER HUSBAND JOSEPH
BY: BISHOP GERALD M. MUSA
Who wants to marry a woman pregnant for another man? Mary was pregnant before marriage, and Joseph, her husband-to-be, was confronted with the choice of rejecting her or going ahead with the marriage plans. Joseph had the option of following his mind, his heart, or the divine instruction that came through the angel. Following his mind implied doing what was logical and reasonable, which was sending her away quietly, without disgrace; following his heart also meant separating himself from her and telling her like, most ex-fiancées do when they part ways, “We cannot continue with our marriage plans, but we can still be friends.”
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Joseph took the hardest option, which was following divine instruction. The angel had explained to him in a dream that the Child which Mary conceived was through the power of the Holy Spirit. He accepted the explanation. No wonder the scriptures describe Joseph as a just (righteous) man. He ignored gossip about the paternity of the child in Mary’s womb and was docile to divine guidance. As we reflect on the crucial role of Joseph in the celebration of Christmas, let us consider these three questions: How do we behave when our plans conflict with God’s plan? Do we respond to God’s will with a generous faith like Joseph? Do we always allow the will of God to prevail in our lives?
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