December 18, Challenge: a Sunday Scriptures blog

The approaching birth of a child is the theme of the Gospel of the fourth Sunday of Advent. But Matthew does not tell us about the pregnancy from Mary’s perspective; Luke’s Gospel does that, in the account of the angel who announces her coming pregnancy. Matthew tells the approaching birth story from Joseph’s perspective. God is an equal opportunity challenger! Joseph has to make a profound act of trust too. After learning of God’s plan in a dream, Joseph “did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him,” Matthew says. It’s an echo of Mary’s answer to the angel, “be it done to me according to your word.” Jesus himself will become trustingly obedient to his Father by becoming fully human, unto death. During the agony in the Garden, Jesus will pray, “My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done” (Matt 26:43). Joseph, Mary, Jesus and us: We also hear God’s challenge in our souls. It’s the challenge to place our lives within the bigger picture, within God’s plan, within God’s desire that the kingdom might come “on earth as it is in heaven.” Sometimes my own plans are so tight, detailed, mapped out that I forget about God’s bigger plan. I pray to keep saying yes to that plan this week with the patience that Advent encourages.

— Blog entry by Sister Mary Garascia

One Comment:

  1. Going through a huge change right now.
    Are there any jobs coming up that a Care Advocate at a homeless shelter might be qualified for?
    I am a Care Advocate at St. Vincent de Paul and a Substitute school teacher.

    Sincerely,
    Roxane D. Wright

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