Matthew 1:16,18-21,24 NRSVue
16and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, who bore Jesus, who is called the Messiah.,
18Now 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. 19Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. 20But 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. 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
24When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife
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Reflection on Matthew 1:16,18-21,24
Inspiration from 2026-03-19 Daily Prayer
St Joseph seems to have a wonderful calmness and courage about him, not to mention a deep and enduring faith. Time and again, from the very beginning, he faced tribulations that would rock and wreck most individuals. His intended partner is found to be pregnant, but how and by whom he knows not.
What must Joseph’s first reaction have been? How could he have known what mysteries were afoot? Can I follow in imagination the steps he must have gone through before humbly accommodating himself to God’s plans?