The approaching birth of a child is the theme of the Gospel of the fourth Sunday of Advent. But Matthew does not tell about the pregnancy from Mary’s perspective, like Luke does, but from Joseph’s! God is an equal opportunity challenger! Joseph has to make a profound act of trust too, just like Mary did. Matthew tells us that Joseph “did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him,” echoing Luke’s report of Mary’s words, “be it done to me according to your word.” Jesus himself will become trustingly obedient to his Father by becoming fully human, unto death. We hear in our souls God’s challenge, too. It’s the challenge to place our lives within the bigger picture, within God’s plan and desire that the kingdom might come “on earth as it is in heaven.” I pray to keep saying yes to that this week!
– Blog entry by Sister Mary Garascia