Opening Prayer

I become aware of my breathing. May I draw in the presence of your love as I breathe in and out, filling me with peace. As I inhale and exhale, I do so with an attitude of gratitude for this breath of life.

Scripture

Matthew 1:18-24

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

“Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son,

and they shall name him Emmanuel,”

which means, “God is with us.” 

When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife.

Reflection

Imagine the mixture of emotions Joseph must have felt – shock, confusion and perhaps even doubt. Joseph’s life is turned upside down by God’s plan, but he responds with obedience and trust after receiving a dream to tell him to take Mary as his wife. Joseph is a good example of how our initial decisions, which we may think are so sensible and the right ones, but are not always the best ones for us and can be changed with God’s guidance. Something similar happened for me many years ago when we were moving house, which was too small for our growing family. I drew from the Ignatian method of making decisions when we were trying to choose the right one. A step in the process is to ask for confirmation of the right decision, which can be realised for us in unexpected ways, such as a feeling of peace or a sign that speaks to you. Asking for it in prayer, we can be sure of receiving it if we stay open to it.  This confirmation to buy the right house came to me in a dream.  Even when faced with circumstances and insurmountable problems, God has not left us to face them alone. Perhaps there is a voice we are trying to avoid, a voice that is asking us to try another way. We can play it safe and not listen to God’s guidance because we have our way of doing things, but this may be preventing us from bringing something new into our lives.The child’s name shall be Emmanuel, which means “God is with us”. This means that in all the confusing situations we are confronted with in our modern culture, we can pray and we can expect God to help.

Reflection Prayer

Lord, when I feel confused and uncertain, calm my restless heart.
Give me the patience to wait and the openness to change my mind should you guide me otherwise.
Help me to listen for your quiet confirmation – a felt sense of peace – reminding me that you are with me always.

Concluding Prayer     

Isaiah 55:2-3

Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live.