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Vocation Meditation -
Fourth Sunday of Advent 2010
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."
When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
We make decisions, large and small, every single day.
Some of those decisions affect very little; others change completely the direction of our lives.
Many times, we make these decisions on our own, believing in ourselves that we know what is best for our lives or wanting and desiring something so much that we cannot fathom another outcome.
Are we prepared to hear the other voices leading us on?
St. Joseph was righteous and with little of the pride that would hinder him hearing the angel and wanting the desired result from his own decision.
He allowed the Lord to guide him... and he lived to the fullest his vocation as foster father of the Lord.
Vocation Challenge:
“He did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.”
Do I listen for the voice of God’s messengers when it is time for me to make key decisions about how I will live my life?
Prayer:
Almighty God, your grace enabled St. Joseph to be a righteous man, to hear the voice of your angel. Grant that I might become righteous, too, always prepared to consult and listen to my angel as I look to live out the plan you have placed on my heart. Amen.
For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.