The Gospel Proclamation When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” ... When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife.
Gaze at Jesus’ Sonship As the virginal conception could not yet be revealed to a world which was not ready to receive it, everything had to take place under the protection of marriage. Safeguarding the honours of the virgin mother and her divine son - yes, Joseph played a vital role here. If not for his sacrifices Mary would have been considered as an adulteress. And it is because of Joseph, Jesus’ legal father, that Jesus is recongised as the heir of David. So we see the two evangelists Matthew and Luke end the genealogy with Joseph. How about the help our blessed mother got in her flight to Egypt. Then Joseph played the anchor role in making their home in Nazareth. Virginal conception, marriage, decision of Joseph to leave Mary - these were the most difficult moments in the lives of Joseph and Mary. Mary on the other hand left everything to divine providence.
Gaze at my sonship In all the problematic situations Mary remained calm and quiet. She was sure of divine providence and that God would vindicate her. We too should learn to remain calm and quiet in the face of difficulties and misunderstandings. We too would be vindicated by God. The era of the Holy Spirit began in a special way with the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Then there was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.
Prayer Starter Holy Spirit, You who is co-substantial with Father and the Son sanctify us so that we may be true sons and daughters of the Father.
