As our Advent preparations draw to a close and Christmas fast approaches, today’s Bible readings show how intensely God loves each of us, culminating in the gift of His own Son,
Jesus, on Christmas Day.
In response to such an overwhelming gift, what can we do except offer our lives as a gift in return? Thank you, everyone, for generously giving your time, talent, and treasure to the mission of our parish.
In our Gospel passage from Saint Matthew, we find an unparalleled example of this giving in Saint Joseph, as he obeys God’s call to him through the message of an angel.
We never hear Joseph speak, but the Scriptures tell us he was always listening, attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit for his family. It was Joseph who found the stable where the baby Jesus would be born. No doubt it was Joseph who cleaned it up and prepared it for Mary and Jesus since we know that Mary was about to give birth. Joseph protected the family, guarded them, and tended to their safety, their comfort, and their well-being at the expense of his own plans and preferences. Though we do not hear any words from Saint Joseph his actions clearly show that he offered himself, his whole life, as a gift to his family through his strong guidance, protection, and service.
Stop by and visit the beautiful tapestry of Saint Joseph in our sanctuary that was donated by one of our parishioners last year. See his gentle yet strong care for the child, Jesus. Let us imitate Saint Joseph, then, as good disciples of Jesus, giving our very lives to those around us in love and gratitude to God, who has given us everything we have, even His own Son, Jesus.
Rev. Mark Zacker
Pastor