Reflection - December 18, 2014 I find myself asking two central questions after reading today’s Gospel: Would I have Joseph’s compassion toward Mary’s pregnancy? Would I have Joseph’s faith to say “yes” to God in the midst of such great uncertainty? Imagine the pain Joseph must have felt when he learned that his fiancée was pregnant with a child that was not his. He easily could have resorted to vindictiveness. But Joseph responds differently. He protects Mary from shame when he justifiably could have exposed her to it. Imagine how easy it would have been for Joseph to follow through with his plan to quietly divorce Mary. Who would blame him? But again, Joseph responds differently. He says “yes” to God’s request, despite uncertainty and conventional wisdom—much like Mary responded to the angel Gabriel. In moments when we have a right to respond harshly toward another’s character or behavior, when our culture in fact encourages us to do so, may we pause and remember Joseph’s compassion. His inaction (by not publically divorcing Mary) challenges us to let bitterness dissipate and to let compassion take hold. Joseph’s faith in wedding Mary—and accepting insecurity and likely public scrutiny—challenges us to quiet our minds and listen to our hearts. In times when we find ourselves in turmoil and uncertainty, when it is easy to take the comfortable path, may we pause and remember Joseph’s faith.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 10:19:59 +0000
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