Monday, December 18, 2023, in the Octave of Advent

Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Monday, December 18, 2023,
in the Octave of Advent
Matthew 1:18-24,
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121823.cfm

Say Yes to God and Keep saying Yes.

God becomes flesh when justice kneels in homage to mercy. Think of the trust and encouragement in Mother Mary’s heart as she goes to her betrothed husband and tells him that she is pregnant. Indeed, she knew what the consequences could be.

Think of God working in the heart of St. Joseph. By God’s law, Mary found with child, not by her betrothed husband, should be put to death by him. But the Gospel says that he was a just man and something more significant than justice was working in his heart.

It was mercy, not justice, that caused him to lay down the knife and welcome Mary into the home of his heart. All he could see in the eyes of Mary was a holy innocence. The Holy Spirit wrote in his heart that her soul was immaculate. He vowed to keep it so. Such mercy changes everything.

Joseph chose not to convict Mary of evil and condemned her to death. He now holds her in greatest reverence in his heart. Jesus is born; God becomes flesh when justice kneels in homage to mercy. God was in the heart of Joseph even before he was born of Mary.

Even though the evidence against an enemy mounts up in our minds, we must listen to that angelic voice, “Do not be afraid to take Mary into your home.” So typical of God, our Savior came from someone condemned to death. There will be no Savior if we continue to condemn.

Gospel Challenge:
Open your heart in love and close your eyes in trust that there is no enemy in your soul where God has made His home.

Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena

Peace be with you.

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com

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