"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" - MT 1:23
I cannot tell how many people have come up to me this year expressing that they are ready for this year to be over. Many people have experienced death in their families, employment struggles, sickness, and much more. Many feel that they have been betrayed by God. We all know that life is not easy and that will never change. As Christmas is approaching, people begin to think that God will redeem them from all the pain and the bad things that have happened throughout the year.
When we read today's Gospel, we clearly see an angel who comes to redeem Joseph's heartbreaking story. The angel of the Lord puts the whole matter into perspective for Joseph and allows him to see the situation in a whole new light. From the angel, Joseph learns he had not been betrayed. His relationship with Mary is much more secure than he ever imagined. She is with child by the Holy Spirit, and the child will save the world from its sin. He will be Emmanuel, which means "God is with us."
In the end of the story, Joseph wakes up from his dream and lives his life in a new way. In reality, nothing has changed. His wife is still pregnant from a source other than himself, the people around him may still look with sideways glances and disgrace in their thoughts, and he did not ask for any of this! Nothing in reality has changed. God never betrays us.
Can we trust more in the Lord?
Do not be afraid to talk to God if something is not going the way you want it to.
Reflection by:
Paul Ciulei
Did you know...
Paul Ciulei was born in Vaslui, Romania. Paul has lived in three different countries: Romania, Italy, and the United States. He is currently in his third year of formation in seminary and his home parish is Our Lady of Lourdes in Dunedin. He has a great passion for soccer and he is a great follower of Juventus FC, the best team in Italy (and possibly the best team in all of Europe).
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