REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF ADVENT 18TH DECEMER 2023

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF ADVENT 18TH DECEMER 2023

Jer.23:5-8; Ps.72; Matthew 1:18-24

The Essence of Retreat

Since yesterday, we have entered the second part of the season of advent in which we begin to anticipate the coming of Christ at Christmas. Hitherto, we have been dwelling on his second coming.

Today, the gospel reading provides us with information about the divinity of Jesus Christ. Jesus is regarded as the son of Joseph but Joseph was clearly not responsible for Jesus’ conception that was why he wanted to send Mary away when he discovered that she was already pregnant before coming to live with him.

The mystery of the intertwine between Jesus’ humanity and his divinity speaks of the power of God to work even through human acts. So, we need to trust God always even when things may not make sense to us. From every senselessness, God is able to make the best sense.

Coming back to the person of Joseph, he teaches us how to avoid making rash judgment. Seeing Mary to be with child, many possibilities may have crossed his mind but surely not the thought of an angelic visit. Even if Mary was to explain what happened herself, she will not be making sense. Yet, however “glaring” it seemed to Joseph that Mary must have defiled the marital vows, he still wanted to think it through before making any decision.

When we learn to think before we act, we allow God’s Spirit to fill our hearts and inspire us to making right decisions. This explains why the season of advent is usually characterized with retreats – a moment to pause a while and think through the direction of our movement in life. Beloved, if we must act Godly, we must avoid rash judgment.