A Mystery

Something to think and pray about each day this week:

In religious terms, we would call Joseph a faithful type of guy, observant in religious thought and practice. The visit from the angel tests his faithfulness to God and to Mary. He doesn’t let them down. He was called to be the carer of Jesus and Mary and to find a new openness to the mystery of God.
A temptation of religion is to tie things down too much. Good religion is open to the mystery of life; however, life challenges us and calls us. True religion is open to mystery. We need a church lit with the light of God, as Joseph was. His burden was lifted when he was open to God, to taking Mary home as his wife, no matter what others might think. This is the annunciation to Joseph – the word of God from the angel to Joseph in a dream. It opened up a huge new meaning in his life. We accept this word as a central part of our lives, and the next time we meet the word, it will be made flesh. 

Donal Neary SJ, Gospel Reflections for Sundays of Year A