Homily for December 18, 2019

The Gospel of Matthew, unlike the other Gospels, does not tell the story of the Annunciation to Mary. However, it does describe an angel’s message to Joseph.

In Luke’s Gospel, the angel says to Mary, “Do not be afraid.” In Matthew’s, an angel says the same thing to Joseph, “Do not be afraid.”

God was doing something new and unusual in the life of Mary and Joseph, something vital for the life of the human race. The conception of Jesus was a miracle of God’s grace that, understandably, raised questions in the hearts of those most directly affected, Mary and Joseph. They both needed reassurance to handle the challenge they faced.

In times of transition, change, and challenge, we all need this same reassurance: “Do not be afraid.” May we put our trust in God’s presence, in Emmanuel — God is with us — just as Mary and Joseph did and, by doing so, may we be willing participants in God’s plan for us. +