SIMBANG GABI 2018 3
YEAR OF THE YOUTH
DECEMBER 18, 2018
JESUS, I trust in you.
In the
genealogy of Jesus, St. Joseph was not called the father of Jesus. He was
simply referred to as the husband of Mary who, in turn, was called the Mother
of Jesus. This clearly pointed to us that Joseph was not the biological father
of Jesus. The Gospel reading today tells us that when Mary was betrothed to
Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child. In Jewish
custom, a betrothal meant that a man and a woman have promised themselves to
each other. The man is given a year to build their house and upon completion of
the task, he goes to the house of the bride to claim her and bring her home
with him. This was a beautiful custom which is unlike the co-habitation or
living-in which many people do today. Today, couples live like husband and wife
even without the benefit of marriage. They make a claim on each other’s persons
and bodies but without asking God to seal their marital covenant. This was not
the case for Joseph and Mary. They promised themselves to each other but they
have not yet lived together because it was not yet the time. They had to wait
for the proper time when they can consummate their marriage.
But before this could happen, Mary was found to be
with child. But her pregnancy was not on account of fornication. Joseph respected
Mary and protected her virginity. And Mary, on her part, was faithful to
Joseph. Her pregnancy was the fruit of the action of the Holy Spirit. God had a
special plan for mankind and this he intended to accomplish through Mary. St.
Joseph had a dilemma. He was torn between his love for Mary and her exalted
vocation. Could he keep Mary for himself or should he, out of generosity, step
back quietly to allow God some space in order to accomplish his plan for her?
He must have silently agonized over this problem. All he wanted was to
accomplish God’s will. The Lord answered his prayer and sent the angel to
convey his answer: “Do not be afraid to take Mary for your wife.” God wanted
St. Joseph to be husband to Mary and also to be father to his only begotten
Son. Mary will give God’s Son his flesh. Joseph will give him his name. Because
of Joseph, Mary’s Son will be called “Son of David.” Joseph will make
Jeremiah’s prophesy a reality: “I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; as
King he will reign and govern wisely.” When God’s will was made clear to him,
Joseph rose up to fulfill it. He took Mary and took her home with him as his
wife.
Young
people are often confronted by the question of vocation. What is the direction
my life should take? Where is this leading me? Is this the right person for me?
Am I called to this way of life? While there are many things to consider when
making life choices, the most important consideration should be the discernment
of God’s will. It is only in fulfilling God’s will where true happiness and a
sense of fulfillment be found. And God’s will can only be discerned in constant
prayer. It is to the praying heart that God reveals his will. When confronted
by a difficult choice, do not simply ask yourself. Rather, ask God through prayer.
This prayer is not a quick visit to the church for an Our Father or a Hail
Mary. Rather, it is silently coming constantly before God. We should keep
asking God until he makes his answer clear. St. Joseph will prove to be a
reliable companion for discernment. Ask St. Joseph to help you pray to the
Lord. Seek for the Lord’s enlightenment. Always bring everything to prayer.
O Mary
conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
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