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This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother
Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she
was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband,
since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1:18–19
Mary’s pregnancy was truly mysterious. In fact, it was so
mysterious that even Saint Joseph initially couldn’t accept it.
But, to Joseph's defense, who could accept such a thing? He was
faced with what was a most confusing situation. The woman to whom
he was engaged was suddenly with child, and Joseph knew he was not
the father. But he also knew that Mary was a holy and pure woman.
So, naturally speaking, it makes sense that this situation simply
did not make immediate sense. But that’s the key. “Naturally
speaking” this did not make immediate sense. The only way to
understand the situation of Mary’s sudden pregnancy was through
supernatural means. Thus, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph
in a dream, and that dream was all he needed to accept this
mysterious pregnancy in faith.
It’s amazing to consider the fact that the greatest event to ever
take place in human history happened under a cloud of apparent
scandal and confusion. The angel revealed the deep spiritual truth
to Joseph secretly, in a dream. And though Joseph may have shared
his dream with others, it’s most likely the case that many people
still assumed the worst. Most would have presumed that Mary was
pregnant either by Joseph or by someone else. The idea that this
conception was the working of the Holy Spirit would have been a
truth beyond what their friends and relatives could ever
comprehend.
But this presents us with a great lesson about judgment and the
action of God. There are countless examples in life when God and
His perfect will lead to judgment, apparent scandal and confusion.
Take, for example, any martyr of old. We now look at the many acts
of martyrdom in a heroic way. But when the martyrdom actually
happened, many would have been deeply saddened, angered,
scandalized and confused. Many, at the time of a loved one being
martyred for the faith, would be tempted to question why God
permitted this.
The holy act of forgiving another could also lead some to a form of
“scandal” in life. Take, for example, the crucifixion of Jesus.
From the Cross, He cried out, “Father, forgive them…” Were not many
of His followers confused and scandalized? Why didn’t Jesus defend
Himself? How could the promised Messiah have been found guilty by
the authorities and killed? Why did God allow this?
Reflect, today, upon the mystery of God’s actions in life. Are
there things in your own life that are hard to accept, to embrace,
or to understand? Know that you are not alone in this. Even Saint
Joseph experienced this. Prayerfully commit yourself to a deeper
faith in God’s wisdom in the face of any mystery with which you
struggle. And know that this faith will help you to live more fully
in accord with the glorious wisdom of God.
Lord, I turn to You with the deepest mysteries of my life. Help
me to face them all with confidence and courage. Give me Your mind
and Your wisdom so that I can walk each day in faith, trusting in
Your perfect plan, even when that plan appears mysterious. Jesus, I
trust in You.
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Featured image above: Scenes from the life of Christ on the
ceiling: the dream of St Joseph, via Wikimedia Commons
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