Daily Gospel Reflection for December 18, 2020

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

I will never forget the first time I announced to my husband that I was pregnant. My young husband and I had been married only a month. Unlike in the movies, he did not jump up, laughing, to give me a big hug and spin me around. No, his face went blank and he was quiet. My husband, like St. Joseph, found himself faced with an unplanned pregnancy. To be expecting a child so soon after marriage was not our plan, but it was God’s.

I suppose Joseph had some of the same feelings as my husband. When Joseph found out that Mary was “with child through the Holy Spirit,” feelings of inadequacy flooded him. How could a lowly carpenter be father to the Son of God? Like many righteous men of the Bible, he did not feel worthy of his call. Joseph’s situation required a revelation.

In her own annunciation, Mary was called “full of grace,” and she used that grace to say yes to God. Joseph, however, needed help to rise up and accept his lofty vocation from God. Thus, in his own annunciation, Joseph was called “Son of David.” Thereby, the angel reminded Joseph of his own royal bloodline and dignity. The messenger assured Joseph that this was God’s will, and Joseph obediently and faithfully accepted his role in it. Jesus needed a daddy; Joseph was there for Him.

All children need a daddy to be there for them. Whether natural, foster, adoptive, step, or spiritual, fatherhood is, by God’s design, vital to healthy human growth. In a society that has disregarded the importance of a father in the home, we as wives need to stand by our men. It takes lots of grace to be a good dad. So, let’s pray for, encourage, and appreciate the Josephs in our lives.

Ponder:

Is there some small way you and/or your children can show your appreciation to your husband today – a simple phone call, little note or drawing, a favorite meal prepared for him?

Pray:

Dear Saint Joseph, may your righteousness and obedience be a fount of grace to all fathers. May our families reflect the Holy Family. Amen.

Click to Tweet
Whether natural, foster, adoptive, step, or spiritual, fatherhood is, by God’s design, vital to healthy human growth. #dailygospel

Copyright 2020 Kelly Guest