Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

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Gospel
Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Now 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.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.

Reflection

Joseph was a good man and he wanted to do what was right. But he didn't want to harm Mary. And so he's in this blocked place and doesn't know what to do. And what does he do? He listens to a sign in a dream, an angel comes and tells him the answer. We need to listen to signs. We need to discern them and follow them.

The Closing prayer

Father, you give us a mind and a heart to discern and to decide. But we need to be open. Open to the ways in which you can communicate with us a direction that will bring life to our world. Help us to trust in those things that you use to guide us to the truth. Amen.

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