On this fourth and final Sunday of Advent, the Gospel reflects on the moments leading directly to the Lord's birth. Today’s Gospel focuses on St. Joseph, who was profoundly unsettled by the mystery of Mary’s pregnancy after first learning of it.

Because Joseph was a "righteous" man, as St. Matthew describes, he sought to protect Mary from public disgrace by choosing to dismiss her quietly. Joseph’s decision is often compared to Abraham’s willingness to offer up his son. Just as Abraham prepared to give up his greatest joy out of faithfulness, Joseph was ready to surrender what he loved most in the world, despite the deep sorrow in his soul.

Initially, Joseph did not grasp the depth of God’s plan for salvation or the pivotal role he was being called to play. To bridge this gap, God chose to reveal His divine purpose through a dream. For most of us, God reveals His plan of salvation through the Holy Scriptures and the quiet promptings of our conscience. To truly hear Him, we must continually reflect on the Word of God and cultivate a pure heart—ensuring our conscience remains a place where His voice is clearly heard and faithfully obeyed.

In the midst of his turmoil, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream to resolve his profound dilemma. The messenger reassured him, saying, “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.” Awakening from his sleep, Joseph moved immediately from doubt to action, faithfully obeying the angel’s command.

The angel’s message instantly dispelled Joseph’s doubts, leading him to offer a profound "Yes" to God’s plan. His uncertainty was replaced by a firm, courageous faith. From this certainty flowed immediate action; by obeying the divine command, Joseph became the protector who saved the lives of Mary and the Child in her womb.

Joseph's experience gives us much hope as we struggle to understand God's plan of salvation in our own lives. As He did with Joseph, God works His plan of salvation even through our doubts, our fears, and our weaknesses. We need to open ourselves to God's revelation and obey His commands immediately, not on some future day when we are in a better mood. Joseph teaches us that obedience to God's commands is what overcomes and conquers our doubt and fear.

Unlike Mary, who was conceived full of grace and without sin, we often find ourselves wrestling with doubt, fear, and human weakness. Yet, it is within the messy reality of our lives that God desires to unfold His plan of salvation. From Joseph, we learn how to invite God into our uncertainties. The dilemma of Mary’s pregnancy was only the first of many "storms" Joseph would face, but in every trial, he moved forward with courage, allowing God to lead the way.

Let us humbly seek the intercession of St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary to enlighten our hearts to the mystery of salvation. May their examples inspire us to obey God’s call with steadfast courage.

Prayer to St. Joseph

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted His only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.