Joseph
While Luke
focuses on the birth of Jesus from Mary’s point of view, Matthew’s Gospel tells
the story from Joseph’s. Joseph must have been extremely confused when he
learns of Mary’s pregnancy. He plans to quietly ‘dismiss’ her so as not to put
her in danger. Mary’s options were bleak
without Joseph; her fate is very much in his hands. He is immediately obedient
and says yes to his call. Joseph welcomes Mary and gives this child the name he
is instructed: Jesus.
We hear very
little about Joseph in the Gospels and he is sometimes a forgotten figure in
the Jesus story, yet his decision to follow God’s call is hugely important as
he fulfills his promise to protect Mary from danger. Joseph’s ‘yes’ to God sets
him on a dangerous path. He must protect his family and this will mean later leaving
their homeland, becoming refugees fleeing the terror of Herod.
Each time God
speaks to Joseph, it is through his dreams.
The Word of God which comes to Joseph gives him a new meaning and a new
mission in life. Today can you reflect on how God speaks to you? In what ways
do you hear God’s word? And when you hear God’s word, what is your response?
When you have said ‘yes’, where has that led you? Today we can
pray for those who are faced with tough decisions and who must chose the more
difficult path. It requires strength and bravery.
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