December 18 2024: Bible Verse of the Day – Joseph, Do Not Be Afraid To Take Mary Your Wife – Matthew 1:18-25 – Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and December 18
The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “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.” – Matthew 1:18-25
Catholic Readings for Today
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today’s Bible Verse of the Day Reflections
Saint Joseph is a man that we know little about, but think about the importance of his role in salvation history. He was entrusted with the Son of God as his little child.
Joseph was faced with the perplexing news of Mary’s pregnancy, he initially plans to divorce her quietly. At first, he was confused about how Mary could have gotten pregnant, but upon receiving the words of the angel in a dream revealing the divine origin of Mary’s child, he accepted this Child as his own and cared for Him with a father’s love.
Joseph’s obedience to God’s message demonstrates a deep trust in the divine plan and a willingness to embrace the unconventional.
It’s significant to note that Saint Joseph embraced the Christ Child because of a dream. But was it only a dream? We all have many dreams and some of them are strange and nonsensical. So why did Saint Joseph rely upon the authenticity of this dream?
The answer to this question is quite simple. Even though the dream he had was just that – a dream, it was also accompanied by the gift of faith.
Joseph knew, with a certainty beyond human reason, that the voice of God had spoken to him and he responded with generous faith.
We may not have dreams through which God speaks to us in the form of an angel, but God does speak to us all day long.
He speaks directly to our minds and hearts, and also through the care and mediation of countless hosts of angels in various ways.
The angels of God are constantly bringing us divine messages and inspiration. The question is whether or not we are listening.
Listening to the voice of God, through the mediation of the angels, is not about us seeing or hearing the angels speak, literally. Rather, it’s a matter of discerning this language of love spoken to us and calling us to faith.
Listen in the silence of your heart, this day, and allow yourself to follow the glorious witness of Saint Joseph as he responded to our Lord’s will with perfect faith and trust.
A Story About Faith and Trust in a Higher Plan By God
In the vibrant city of Umoja, there was a skilled entrepreneur named Alex, who owned a small graphic design firm. Alex was engaged to Lisa, a dedicated marketing specialist.
They were eagerly planning the expansion of their business when an unexpected turn of events altered their course.
One day, Lisa approached Alex with surprising news: she believed it was the right time to take a significant business risk, investing their savings into a new venture.
Although the idea had the potential for success, it carried financial uncertainties that left Alex apprehensive and uncertain about their future.
Faced with this unexpected proposal, Alex sought guidance through prayer and reflection. In a moment of clarity, he felt a strong conviction that this business opportunity was part of a greater plan, a plan that required trust and faith.
Drawing inspiration from the story of St. Joseph, who embraced God’s plan for his family, Alex decided to step out in faith.
Despite the financial risks and uncertainties, he chose to support Lisa’s vision, believing that this new venture held a special purpose for their business.
As they ventured into the uncharted territory of the business world, challenges emerged. They faced scepticism from peers, financial pressures, and the fear of potential failure. Yet, like Joseph standing by Mary, Alex remained steadfast in his commitment to the shared vision.
Over time, their business grew and prospered. The challenges they faced became stepping stones to success, and their story became a testament to the power of faith in the professional realm.
Just as Joseph trusted the divine plan for his family, Alex’s faith in the purpose of their business venture was rewarded.
Alex’s journey in the competitive world of Umoja turned him into a beacon of faith and resilience for other entrepreneurs.
His unwavering trust in God’s plan, even in the unpredictable world of business, mirrored the example set by Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew.
In the bustling city of Umoja, Alex’s story became a source of inspiration, reminding entrepreneurs that sometimes, extraordinary success can emerge from seemingly ordinary decisions when fueled by faith and trust in a greater purpose.
Prayer: Lord, I long to hear Your sweet voice. I long to know all that You command of me and all that You inspire me to embrace in life. Give me the grace I need, to follow every inspiration in life so that I may fulfill Your perfect and holy will. Jesus, I love You. Amen.
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