Christmas Eve
Scripture:
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Luke 1:67-79
Reflection:
Christmas and Saint Joseph
There is an old medieval painting showing the engagement ceremony between Mary and Joseph. We see in the painting two very upset suitors who were turned down and lost their request for Mary’s hand. Joseph must have been a very happy young man to get the most beautiful, good-hearted, and affectionate young woman the world has ever seen! I am sure he thought he won the lottery. It was the dream of every young Jewish man to have such a bride. He hoped to have beautiful children. He considered himself blessed by also having such a successful and secure job as a tradesman.
But soon all these wonderful dreams were shattered. Pope Francis observed that Joseph’s discovery that Mary was expecting a child that was not his must have created “shock, pain, confusion, perhaps even irritation and disappointment.” Joseph even seriously thought about quietly divorcing Mary!
An angel had to intervene! “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Mt 1:20f In the inspired Greek text the word “take” is the very strong and loving word “paralombano” which means ‘to welcome, to receive, to acceptwith a warm heart!
The shattered dream became an unbelievable blessing. Mary was given to Joseph as a companion! She is the most incredible purely human being that God ever made! Theirs was a union that far exceeded any marriage! Joseph was made the only earthly father that Jesus ever had. Jesus was so fond of His foster father that every prayer He said to His Heavenly Father always began with the word Father! Jesus described God as Father more than any other title. Jesus must have been really impressed with Joseph! Joseph’s occupation and business of carpentry gave way to the most important job any father could have. He lovingly and carefully cared for the most important family the world would ever see!
Christmas is a wonderful feast of hope. If so many of our dreams seem to get shattered, we must remember, like Joseph, that they are not lost! On the contrary shattered dreams become much higher Horizons in the marvelous Providence of God!
Fr. Bob Weiss, C.P. preaches Parish Missions and is a member of the Passionist Community in Louisville, Kentucky.