Honour and obedience

Gospel
Matthew 1:18-25
Jesus was born of Mary, the betrothed of Joseph, a son of David.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him 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.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.

Reflection
This reading share with us two things about Joseph. Firstly Joseph is a man of honour. After finding out Mary was pregnant he wanted to divorce her quietly so as not to shame her. Secondly he is obedient to God. He listened to what God said. Today the same question is asked about us. Are we man of honour to our neighbours. Secondly do we listen to God's word and act on it?

Let us pray
Lord Jesus today we learned from Joseph the importance of honour and obedience. Grant we pray we will inherit these characteristics so that we will be livimg examples as your disciples .

Amen

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