Gospel Reflection for December 18th

The 4th. Sunday of Advent – Joseph’s own personal Annunciation

This is the last Sunday of Advent. Our time of preparation is almost over. Despite what the media, the shops and all the adverts tell us, it is still not Christmas! Let us hear the words from last Sundays second readings again, ‘be patient, until the Lord’s coming. Think of farmers, how patiently they wait for precious fruit from the ground until the autumn and spring rains come. You too must be patient!’

Traditionally during the season of Advent and Christmas, it is Mary the Mother of Jesus that our attention is drawn to as well as Jesus himself. This Sunday, however, it is Joseph who is the focus our attention and prayer. Perhaps we can well imagine the physical and faith journey that Mary herself was asked to embark on. She was a young unmarried mother in a small village. Then she took long and dangerous journey from her home back to Bethlehem. When her child was born, she was forced to leave her own country as an exile and refugee. Let us not forget that on every step of this dangerous journey that her husband Joseph was by her side supporting and encouraging her. This journey was as difficult for Joseph as it was for Mary. He too was as faithful and courageous as she was. But he didn’t do this on his own.

Just Mary heard a word and message from God, so too Joseph heard his own message from God. The God who called, encouraged and strengthened Mary would do the same to and for Joseph. Just as Mary heard those tender words, do not be afraid, so too Joseph hears them for himself, ‘Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid to take home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit.’

Both Mary and Joseph were called by God and asked to take on something that seemed humanly impossible. But nothing is impossible to God. The God who called Mary and Joseph continues to call each of us today. We too are called to give birth to Jesus in our daily lives through what we say, what we do and how treat other people. At times this will be challenging and difficult. But we are not on our own. God says to each of, ‘do not be afraid, for I will be with you.’

We do not have to be afraid. Why? Because of Emmanuel; God – is – with – us, now and always. Let us pray and live these last days of Advent in prayerful and joyful hope.

• Michael Moore OMI