2025/12/21 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Fourth Sunday of Advent

- Caroline Jaros, Coordinator of Liturgy

I’m always amazed at how little we know about Joseph, Jesus’s father on Earth, and how little dialogue he has in the Bible. And yet, in today’s Gospel reading, we are given a powerful glimpse into his role as we hear a recap of the events leading up to the birth of Christ and Joseph’s invitation from the angel.

“This is how the birth of Christ came about...”

Joseph was betrothed to Mary, but when Joseph found out Mary was pregnant, he as a “righteous man” made the difficult decision to divorce her, but quietly, as he was “unwilling to expose her to shame.” Joseph’s first instinct was mercy towards Mary.

But then, in a dream, an angel comes to Joseph to reassure him that the child is not just any child, but the great Messiah, telling him: “Do not be afraid.”

Joseph accepts this invitation to take Mary as his wife into his home. He rises up to the challenge – not in a grand way, but in quiet faith and trust in God.

This brief glimpse into Joseph’s life teaches us two essential virtues: mercy and faith. Mercy toward those who may bring chaos or unexpected challenges into our lives, and faith that even when we do not understand what is happening, it is all part of a greater plan.

When I struggle with anxiety, I often remind myself to “give it up to God.” Joseph embodies that complete surrender. He gives his life, his marriage, and his path as a father over to God and to the divine plan laid out before him. While this can feel daunting, it can also make life feel lighter and easier to bear when things do not go the way we expect.

Joseph’s invitation from the angel reminds all of us that God works through ordinary people, people with sins, doubts, and complicated paths. The angel’s message to Joseph is also a message to us: do not be afraid, choose mercy, and say yes to God’s plan.