THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT (C) : Wednesday 18th December 2024

The prophet Jeremiah (prophesied between 626 – 586
B.C.) spoke about the raising up of a “…virtuous Branch
{Messianic title — Is 4:2}… Who will reign as the true
king…” (Jer 23:5). The prophet’s prophecy was fulfilled in the
drama of betrothal between a couple as narrated in Matthew’s
Gospel! The virgin, Mary, conceived through the Holy Spirit,
Jesus, “the One Who is to save His people from their sins.” In
Jewish culture, a couple’s betrothal is to last for one year
before they live together, though they are legally bound and
regarded as “husband” and “wife”. Speculation is rife if the
betrothed “was found to be with child”.

Jesus’ miraculous conception nearly led to the
termination of the betrohal between Mary and Joseph. In his
dilemma, Joseph was contemplating not wanting to divorce
her publicly but “informally”. He had already “made up his
mind” as to the course of action when an angel appeared in
his dream and assured him that the child was holy, through
divine conception. In utter obedience, Joseph “did what the
angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his
home”.
This event draws our attention to the fact that God has
entered into the deepest desire of man and saved him from
neglecting his true worth and duty. The salvific work of God
has purified the desires of humanity, especially man, when
faced with dilemmas. The decisions we make, do they reflect
us as godly and noble?

Lord, purify our desires, that our actions truly be
humane and holy!