Mary and Joseph have two different “annunciations” from the angel, two different tasks in the mystery of salvation, and two different paths to holiness. United in one love, they hand themselves over to the work of the redemption being accomplished by God in Christ Jesus, Son of God and Son of the Virgin Mary.
Joseph struggled when he discovered Mary was with child. Whether his anguish flowed from his feelings of unworthiness or from incomprehension of what was happening, the result was the same: he planned to dismiss Mary quietly. It was only the annunciation of the angel that put his heart at ease. Immediately upon awakening, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary as his wife.
In our families and communities, each of us has a different role in the mystery of salvation. We all have different personalities. We each follow the Spirit’s invitation, yet the full scope of this call remains a secret to ourselves as much of it is unknown to others. The way our place in the drama of salvation unfolds is gradual and often shrouded in mystery.
When I’m not quite understanding someone I live with, I’d love for an angel to show up, even in a dream, and let me in on the details. How much easier it would be to respect people who are clashing with me if I could see the plan God was accomplishing through them! Even Joseph, although he had an angelic visitation to resolve his doubts, was only told the next step God required of him and no more. For the rest he had to trust in the Providence of God and he had to trust Mary.
Joseph teaches me how to take the next best step and to trust that God is working out something far beyond my wildest imagination. There are many “angels” in our lives. Sometimes they show up as inspirations, a word from Scripture, a thoughtful comment from a friend, or a combination of events that make the next step so abundantly clear it can’t be doubted. Trust, on the threshold of mystery, is always a risk and a choice. It is a determined turning away from the doubts and rationalizations of the past toward the possibilities and promises of a future rich with God’s presence.
Daily Reading
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Reading 1 Jeremiah 11:18-20 I knew their plot because the LORD informed me; at that time you, O LORD, showed me their doings. Yet I, like a trusting lamb led…
Saint of the Day
Saint Vincent Ferrer
Vincent Ferrer, “Angel of the Judgment,” fortified the Church amidst schism through fiery preaching, emphasizing repentance and divine judgment.
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