Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: March 19, 2025

Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Lent- Solemnity of St. Joseph

Scripture Text: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Now 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. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Joseph’s response to the news of Mary’s pregnancy and to the LORD’s prompting him to take Mary into his home and life and to become Jesus’ legal/earthly father and guardian.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How open am I to the LORD’s prompting? How receptive am I to the LORD’s direction?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, how I long to be the one You created me to be. Help me to hear your words, assist me in discerning your will for me and strengthen my resolve so that I might live fully the life you are calling me to live in You, with You, and through You Through the power of the Holy Spirit, grant that I may participate in the ongoing salvific mission of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.