Today in the first reading from Jeremiah 23, the Lord says, “Behold, the days are coming when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; as king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is right and just in the land.” I’m sure that, looking at this prophecy, the people were expecting a king in the mold of David; an earthly king that would return Israel to its former glory and more. But God had something different in mind. In the Gospel today from Matthew 1, we see nearly all that the Sacred Scriptures tell us about St. Joseph.
Joseph is described as “a righteous man.” This is a title we do not often find in Scripture. Noah was called a righteous man. Abraham was called a righteous man. Pretty heady company, no? As we see in today’s reading, Joseph was ready to quietly divorce Mary when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him to trust God and take Mary as his wife. Just think of the awesome responsibility that Joseph had. He was chosen to raise up the Son of God! If that doesn’t humble a guy, I don’t know what would.
It’s interesting that God communicated to Joseph in dreams. Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever received a message from the Lord in a dream? I know I have. It always reminds me of the many ways that God uses to get through to us. Let’s be more attentive to God speaking to us – whether in dreams or any other way He so chooses.
Father, may our eyes, ears, hearts and minds be always open to receiving your message of love and compassion and forgiveness, and may we share that message with all. Amen.
0 comments