Joseph knew Mary was carrying a child not his own. Being the just and caring man that he was, Joseph did not want to subject Mary to scorn or to divorce her. How he decided would impact the life of the young woman he loved. What was he to do? We can imagine the uncertainty, the anxiety that Joseph experienced in trying to come to a decision. Then, the angel came to him in a dream, saying: “Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary into your home…” The difficulty was resolved. Joseph was directed by the angel to take the right course of action.
“Do not be afraid.” These are powerful words that can bring me out of a state of confusion, apathy, or refusal. When I am not afraid, I can take that first step to accomplish what needs to be done. In Joseph’s case, it was to take Mary into his home. In my case, it may mean refusing to create a pretext that seems to be an easy way out of a task. It may imply sitting down at the computer to complete a necessary message I really don’t want to send. It may require meeting someone with whom I have a grievance. It may indicate trying something new that I have been avoiding. Whatever it is that makes me afraid may be exactly what God is asking of me; it may mean something that God desires to be accomplished, or it may contribute in an insignificant way to God’s saving plan. It is improbable but not impossible that an angel will bring God’s decision to me. I only know that when the call comes, I hope to remember the words once uttered to Joseph, “Do not be afraid….”
Sister Gemma Pepera, CSFN
