First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14

Reflection:

Ahaz was the Davidic king of the southern kingdom of Judah in the eighth century B.C. The exchange given in this passage can be precisely dated to 733 B.C. when Ahaz was in process of making an alliance with the empire of Assyria to protect himself and his people from war. Isaiah, speaking as a prophet of God, warned Ahaz against making the treaty because it would require worshipping the Assyrian false gods. Isaiah exhorted Ahaz to ask for a sign from God as proof of His protection from foreign oppressors. Ahaz refused, thus revealing his lack of trust in God. Despite his refusal, Isaiah announced that a sign would be given anyways: “the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” This sign was ultimately fulfilled with Mary, the virgin who conceived, and Jesus, who is Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.”

Second Reading: Romans 1:1-7

Reflection:

In this introduction of the letter to the Romans, Paul explains that Jesus, as the Messiah, is the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures (i.e. the Old Testament). The “gospel” (meaning “good news”) was promised by the Old Testament prophets (including, for example, Isaiah in today’s first reading) and made manifest in Jesus Christ. Paul explains that Jesus is in the line of David, according to His humanity, but is also the Son of God according to His divinity. Thus, here Paul affirms the full humanity and full divinity of Jesus. As is seen in today’s other readings, Jesus is Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.”

Paul addresses the letter to “all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy.” The Church in Rome was made up of both Jews and Gentiles who had become followers of Christ. Paul reminds his readers that Jesus did not come only for the Jews by pointing out that the Gentiles are also “called to belong to Jesus Christ.” They too are “called to be holy.” This is also our calling today. Through Christ, by His grace, we can grow in holiness, becoming more and more conformed to His will. Like Joseph in this week’s gospel reading, we are called to say ‘yes’ to God’s will, whatever that might be–even when the path forward is difficult and unclear.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:18-24

Reflection:

According to the culture and law of the time, Mary and Joseph’s betrothal would have established a legal bond between them, which could only have been broken with a divorce. The typical practice was to have about a one year waiting period after the betrothal before living together and consummating the marriage. It was during this time period that Mary “was found with child through the Holy Spirit.” Since Mary and Joseph had not had sexual relations, Joseph (along with many others) likely assumed Mary had been unfaithful and guilty of adultery. In this situation, he had the lawful right to dismiss her. In fact, he could have brought her to court and thus publicly “expose(d) her to shame,” possibly even resulting in her being stoned to death. Rather, “since he was a righteous man,” he decided to divorce her privately. But God had other plans… He revealed to Joseph in a dream that Mary was pregnant “through the Holy Spirit” with the Messiah. In fact, Matthew shows that this virgin birth had been prophesied about in the Old Testament by quoting Isaiah (the first reading).

That Joseph obeyed the angel and took on the role as Jesus’ earthly father is evidence of his great trust in God. Not only did Joseph take on a tremendous responsibility by saying ‘yes’ to God’s calling, he also likely took on much ridicule for this. The community was likely still scandalized by Mary’s pregnancy (remember, they weren’t visited by an angel to explain it like Joseph was). Joseph and Mary were likely ostracized because of the assumptions that would have been made about how Mary became pregnant. Still, Joseph and Mary remained faithful to their calling, despite public opinion. Not much is said about Joseph in Scripture (and, in fact, there are no recorded words of his in Scripture), yet he looms large as a prime example of faithfulness to God, as does Mary. We should emulate them by saying ‘yes’ to whatever God calls us to do, despite public opinion, inconveniences, unknowns, or sufferings that come from it.

Application:

  • This Christmas, express thanks to God for becoming one of us in Jesus Christ. Jesus continues to be Emmanuel, God with us. In particular, He is present to us in the Eucharist. He wants to be a part of every aspect of our lives. What areas of your life do you need to let Him into?
  • As Mary and Joseph welcomed Jesus into their home, how will you welcome Jesus into your home this Christmas?
  • Ahaz didn’t trust God, but Joseph did. In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more and say ‘yes’ to what He wants you to do?