Reflection on Matthew 1:18-24 ~
Most of us would agree that Joseph’s reaction to dismissing Mary is justifiable. Imagine how powerful his mystical experience must have been. The angel of the Lord calmed his doubts and fear, enabling Joseph to treat Jesus as both his and God’s son. Like Joseph, if you are a loving father of a child who is not yours, we are grateful that you are filled with righteousness, grace, and trust. My prayers today are for the many children who do not know their fathers.
The Vision of Saint Joseph by James Tissot. The full-resolution painting and more detail are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Matthew 1:18-24 – Scripture*
The Birth of Jesus the Messiah
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 1:18-24 Reflection – Filled with Righteousness, Grace and Trust.
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 types of 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.