Third Friday of Advent

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

Sometimes we are afraid to do God’s Will in our lives. We know what must be done, but delay, make excuses, or convince ourselves that other things are more important or we misunderstand what God wants from us. However, nothing is more important than doing God’s Will. We do not need to understand it, but rather to take it on faith that God is guiding us to where we need to be and what we are called to do. So when we discern God’s Will in our lives we should not be afraid, but rather act like Joseph and do what He has commanded us without complaint or hesitation. We can learn a lot about what it means to be a good and faithful servant from Joseph and his attitude of silent obedience to God.

Are we afraid of what God is asking us? Are we willing to be open to the inspirations God sends us? How can we build up the habit of holy obedience to God’s Will in our lives?

O Lord, give us the grace to be not afraid and do as you command us throughout our lives.

Amen.