Daily Gospel Reflection for December 18, 2021

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

Most of the time, my dreams make absolutely no sense at all. They’re usually a mix between recent happenings and old memories, twisted into silly stories and ridiculous images. Once in a while, however, I have a dream that does make sense and when I awaken, I know that God has been speaking to me through my dream. It could be the solution to a dilemma worked out, the mending of a difficult relationship, or an inspiration for a writing project I’d been grappling with. Regardless of the subject, I can feel that it was God’s merciful and gentle way of guiding me.

When the angel appeared to Joseph in his sleep, he immediately knew that he was the recipient of an important and holy message. The angel had come to give him the solution to a dilemma and mend a difficult relationship. Joseph’s dream revealed the truth about Mary and set him up on his holy mission as father and protector of the Holy Family. That mission has extended to become the Patriarch of the Church. Joseph didn’t question the message he received in his dream. Rather, he embraced it and carried it out with the utmost care and devotion.

We receive important and holy messages from God, albeit ones that not as dramatic and consequential. He informs, inspires, and guides us through the people and happenings around us. He speaks to us through His Word, ministers to us through His sacraments, and comes to us in the Eucharist. Sadly – and I speak mainly for myself – we’re often slumbering and miss his messenger. We would do well to look to St. Joseph and to ask him to intercede for us so that we awaken to God’s important and holy messages so that we can embark on the mission He has for us.

Ponder:

How do I detect God's messengers in my life?

Pray:

Dear St. Joseph, please pray for me to be as perceptive as you were to God's messengers. Intercede for me so that I awaken to His message and mission for me.