Emmanuel, God in our Midst

Emmanuel, God in our Midst

Matthew 1: 18 – 25

4^th Sunday of Advent

Introduction

Today’s reading tells us of the events leading to the birth of Jesus particularly from Joseph’s own perspective. It wasn’t easy for Joseph to understand God’s plan in Mary. But his righteousness and ability to discern allowed him to accept God’s plan and execute it with firm resolve. 

The Gospel

¹⁸ 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 with child from the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. ²⁰ 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. ²¹ She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” ²² All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

²³ “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall name him Emmanuel,”

which means, “God is with us.” ²⁴ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, ²⁵ but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Reflection

Today’s Gospel brings to focus Joseph’s predicament. As the Gospel tells us, Mary was betrothed to Joseph. But before they lived together, Mary was found with child through the Holy Spirit. The Gospel then also tells us that because of this, Joseph wanted to divorce Mary quietly as he did not want to expose her to shame.

Joseph is described by the gospel as a righteous man; such compliment is perhaps one of the highest expressions of praise one could ever give to a man known for integrity and upright behavior. And precisely because he was righteous, he must have given serious thought on his decision to divorce Mary quietly as it would have been the only option possible for Mary not being accused of adultery.

It would seem to appear to us that Joseph arrived at solving this problem about Mary’s pregnancy quite easily. On the contrary, Joseph would have taken great pains to come to this decision. Moreover, the greater struggle for Joseph might have been for him to cast doubt on Mary’s integrity and faithfulness. This would have been a real agony and struggle for Joseph considering that he was completely unaware of God’s plans and was at a loss at the sudden and surprising turn of events.

There is another Joseph in the Old Testament much like Joseph in the New Testament. Both of them were “dreamers.” Both apparently received guidance through their dreams. Both of them were righteous and did nothing wrong. But apparently, in spite of their righteousness, some twist of fate brought them to difficult situations. But through the difficult and winding path they went through, somehow, God saved them from harm and placed them on the right track.

Many of us do come to similar crossroads like Joseph. Life can at times throw in some confusing moments at us. And when this happens, we are suddenly forced to make difficult decisions that we aren’t really sure about. Just like Joseph, we agonize over such situations and begin to wonder and ask ourselves why we are in such difficult situations.  

Today’s reading tells us to trust in the Lord especially in the difficult moments of our life. At those times when we know not what to do or when we don’t even understand what’s happening to us; we just need to trust in the Lord who never leaves us alone by ourselves. In these instances, we can take our directions from Joseph himself. While not all of us are blessed in having God speak to us through our dreams, we do have the possibility of resting, just like Joseph, to discern God’s voice. Dreams come only while sleeping or resting. By giving ourselves time to rest and be quiet, we are able to hear more clearly God’s will and plan for us, especially in difficult times. It is only when God’s plans are clear to us when we are able to move on without fear on what needs to be done.

Joseph’s dream would have come to him at a moment of quiet and rest. Combining moments of silence and trust in the Lord certainly bore fruit for Joseph; God did not leave him confused but enlightened.  In the end, he became resolute to do the Lord’s will by taking Mary as his wife and by taking her home.    

This Christmas season, always remember, that in Jesus, God will always be with us; ever present, ever here as he accompanies us in life; in good times, in bad times, at moments of clarity and in moments of confusion, God will always be true to himself as our Emmanuel, God in our midst.

Prayer

Dear Lord, when times get difficult and confusing; when all I see is darkness all around; when questions remain unanswered; be with me Lord; be Emmanuel to me. Never leave me alone. Always be by my side. Amen.

“do not fear, for I am with you,
    do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. “– Isa 41: 10