God is the giver of all good gifts. He who gives us life and all that we need, now invites us to use our lives to be gifts for each other. We do not hear much about Joseph in the gospels, but the little we know reveals that Joseph understood this concept of being ‘gift’:
Being betrothed to Mary, he offers the gift of love (Mt. 1:18)
Being a righteous man, he offers his life to God ((Mt. 1:19)
Unwilling to put Mary to shame, he offers her life (Mt. 1:19)
Listening to the Angel, he gives the gift of his will to God (Mt. 1:20)
Naming the child Jesus, he shows the gift of obedience (Mt. 1:21)
Taking Mary home, he offers the gift of husband and dad (Mt. 1:24)
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the gift of our salvation. As You impart your gifts of love and mercy on us, help us to embrace you, and like Joseph and all the Saints, choose to be gifts of life for others. Amen.
Blessings,
Fr. Howie
READINGS
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031919.cfm