December 18, 2019 Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent-A

Jeremiah 23:5-8

Psalm 72

Matthew 1:18-25

When Joseph awoke he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him… Mt. 1:24

Lord, all mankind owes a debt of gratitude to Joseph for his obedience.  He responded immediately to the words of your angel and adopted you as his own even before your birth.  Taking Mary into his home was not his original plan when he heard of her pregnancy.  All his plans where put behind him and he fully embraced the new plan of God.  Like Mary he accepted his role in being your parent.  Like Mary he probably didn’t completely understand what God had in mind for his step-son or for himself.  Like Mary he gave you the name Jesus as commanded by the angel.  Lord, this was a “real man.”  He and Mary where united in their dedication to do God’s will as good parents.  Lord, I pray today for all parents. I pray that all parents will cooperate with you and each other in raising their children.  I pray that all parents will be open to the Holy Spirit in their parenting decisions.  May they love their children and always seek what is the best for them.  May all children be safe in the homes of their parents.  Amen.