December 18, 2021 Saturday of the 3rd Week of Advent-C

Jeremiah 23:5-8

Psalm 72

Matthew 1:18-25

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid…”  Matthew 1:20

Lord, you surely broke the mold when you created your righteous child Joseph. Faced with a very difficult decision he had made up his mind to save his bride Mary from shame, possibly even death by stoning. After all, that punishment was legal.  But by divorcing her he would have left her to raise the baby alone. The social and family pressure on him must have been great. Yet, being a righteous man, in tune with the will of God, he dropped his plan and followed the plan of the Father. That plan was mysterious, uncertain, with a lot of unknowns. Joseph protected Mary and you from evil. It didn’t really make a lot of sense. Letting go of his fear, he stepped out in faith. The rest is history. I believe that Joseph was a great teacher and example for you because he was a man of great faith. Lord, please give me the faith, the courage and the love of Joseph. May I be open to accept your ways over my ways and not be afraid to trust in your plan.  Dear father Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, terror of demons, pray for me.   Amen.