Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
On this Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Matthew’s Gospel opens with the message that Mary received not one, but two spouses from God. Through the Holy Spirit, she conceived Christ. Through God’s messenger, she received St. Joseph, a righteous man who loved and supported her and raised Jesus as his own child.
In the course of our family’s activities, we’ve become friends with some wonderful families. In several of these, we’ve met families where the father is raising a son that is not his biological child. In some cases, these men are the only father the child has ever known.
Today’s Gospel stirred up great affection in my heart for these blended families, particularly those single mothers who found a supportive and loving spouse, one who extends that love to their children.
I’m also praying for other single parents with young children who feel alone and unloved, that they may become aware of God’s infinite love and peace through the Holy Spirit. That God, in His time, will provide them with the love and support they need most as they raise their children in today’s world. Today’s Gospel reveals the inception of the Holy Family, one that models obedience and acceptance to God’s call in their lives. Our lives may not always turn out the way we plan them to be, but we can emulate Mary and Joseph’s faithfulness and trust that God has a unique and individual plan for our own lives.
Ponder:
Seek ways you can show a kindness to the diverse families you know, through a smile, by listening, or an offer of assistance.
Pray:
Oh heavenly Father, we praise You and thank You for the gift of Mary and Joseph, who model obedience and acceptance to Your call in our lives.
Copyright 2022 Shelly Henley Kelly
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