Fourth Sunday of Advent
Whenever we hear a reference to the “annunciation” in Sacred Scripture, we immediately think about that powerful scene in the Gospel of Luke when the angel Gabriel appears to Mary and tells her that she is to be the mother of the long-awaited savior. But today the Church reminds us that there is another “annunciation” of the birth of Jesus in the New Testament. It is not in the Gospel of Luke, but in the Gospel of Matthew. And it is not the “annunciation” to Mary, but rather to Joseph. In fact, St. Matthew never mentions the annunciation to Mary in his Gospel. Matthew tells the story of the annunciation and birth of Jesus from the perspective of Joseph, starting with the annunciation.
It is said that St. Francis of Assisi told his followers to “preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” In spite of the central role he plays in Jesus’ life, St. Joseph is never quoted as speaking in the Scriptures. However, Joseph speaks volumes by what he does and how he does it. Today’s Gospel for this Fourth Sunday of Advent clearly shows us how true that is:
- Joseph is described as a “just man”, a man of integrity. Joseph did not want to expose Mary to public disgrace because of her unexplained pregnancy, but he respected the Law of Moses by deciding to divorce her “quietly”.
- Joseph heard and, more importantly, he believed God’s message through the angel, a message that every disciple of Jesus hears again and again: “Do not be afraid.”. (Remember that the opposite of faith is not “doubt”, but “fear”.)
- Joseph follows the instructions of the angel to take Mary into his home as his wife and to give Jesus his legal name. (The name, “Jesus”, means “Yahweh saves”.) Thus, it is more accurate to refer to St. Joseph as the “legal father of Jesus” rather than his “foster father”.
St. Joseph has a lot to teach us all. Pope Francis wrote a beautiful, brief letter about St. Joseph in 2020 which he entitled “With a Father’s Heart”. It is a beautiful reflection on St. Joseph and his example of faithful discipleship. What is it about St. Joseph’s life and faith that challenges you to deeper faith and greater holiness of life?
