Do not be Afraid – Reflection on Matthew 1:18-25
It is easy to understand Joseph’s initial reaction to not marrying Mary because he was not the father of the child in her womb. Imagine how powerful his mystical experience must have been to calm his doubts and fear of being a co-father to God. Joseph loved, provided for, and protected Mary and Jesus and became comfortable sharing Jesus as both his and God’s son. If you are a loving father helping to raise your child as a co-father, we are grateful for your righteousness and grace. We are thrilled with how you responded when your angel said, “Do not be afraid,” and that you trust the Lord. My prayers today are for the many children who do not have a father or father figure in their lives. May the Lord give them an example like Joseph to enrich their lives.
The Vision of Saint Joseph by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Matthew 1:18-25 – Scripture*
18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 1:18-25 Reflection – Do not be Afraid.
Additional Thoughts
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 1 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.