Advent Reflection for December 11, 2012

 TUESDAY  Matthew 1:18-20, Deuteronomy 22:20-24

• What would you have felt if you had been Joseph when Mary told you she was having a  baby—but by the Holy Spirit, not another man? Whatever Joseph felt, Matthew says he “did not want to expose her to public disgrace.” What do you learn about Joseph’s inner qualities from his measured response (“he had in mind to divorce her quietly”)?

• The Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels says Joseph was “a devout Jewish man willing to give up what was often perceived to be a Jewish father’s greatest privilege—siring his first-born son—in order to obey God’s will.” What cherished dream have you had to give up? How are you and God working to bend that loss to produce good results?

Today’s Reflection by Don Foster:

         Because Mary and Joseph were “pledged”, there was severe punishment for Mary’s apparent unfaithfulness.  Joseph not only had a right to break the pledge, effectively divorcing her, but the town elders could also stone her at her father’s doorstep.  However, by this time the rule on stoning especially in small villages had been relaxed.  The village could put a woman out, where she would either perish or make her way as the prostitute she had become.

         Joseph knew he needed to break the pledge to maintain his own status, but because of his integrity, he decided to do so in a way that would not cause public shame and protect Mary from harm.

         When God sent a messenger to confirm Mary’s story, Joseph had another way opened for him:  to take Mary as his wife.  He knew others would think that he had gotten her pregnant and would damage his reputation.  Matthew called Joseph righteous in that he was not punishing an innocent party.  Further, he was expressing mercy and compassion.

         Giving up a great privilege to follow God’s will can be the most difficult thing for a person to do,  However, when we are called to do God’s work we will find satisfaction and reward beyond our wildest expectations.