💖 HOMILY - DECEMBER 18 💖

First Reading - Jeremiah 23:5-8 

Gospel - Matthew 1:18-24

What do you do when life takes an unexpected turn? Today’s readings invite us to reflect on how God’s plans, though often mysterious, are always for our good. They call us to trust Him, even when we don’t fully understand His ways.

In the first reading, Jeremiah offers a message of hope to a people in turmoil. He proclaims the promise of a righteous branch from David’s line—a king who will reign with justice and wisdom, bringing salvation to God’s people. This prophecy points directly to Jesus, whose coming fulfills this promise in ways far beyond what anyone could have imagined. The Messiah is not just a political savior but the very presence of God among us, bringing eternal hope and redemption.

In the Gospel, we see God’s promise unfolding in an unexpected and deeply personal way. Joseph, a just and righteous man, faces a profound dilemma when he learns that Mary, his betrothed, is with child. His world is turned upside down. Yet, in a moment of divine intervention, the angel reassures Joseph: “Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

Joseph’s response is striking. He doesn’t question, argue, or hesitate. He simply obeys. His quiet trust and courageous faith enable him to become a key part of God’s plan for salvation. Joseph reminds us that true faith often involves embracing the unexpected with trust, even when we can’t see the full picture.

What does this mean for us today? Like Joseph, we often find ourselves facing situations that disrupt our plans or challenge our understanding. Perhaps it’s a sudden change in career, an illness, or a relationship in crisis. In those moments, we can choose to resist and rely on our own understanding, or we can surrender and trust that God is at work, even in ways we cannot yet see.

But trust is not passive—it requires action. Joseph not only trusted the angel’s message; he acted on it. For us, this means responding to God’s call in our daily lives: forgiving someone who has hurt us, stepping out in faith to serve others, or simply persevering in prayer when answers seem delayed.

As we prepare for Christmas, let us reflect on the ways God is working in our lives, even in the unexpected. Like Joseph, let us listen for His voice, trust in His promises, and take action in faith. And let us remember the heart of today’s message: Emmanuel, “God is with us.” This is our greatest source of hope and courage, no matter what challenges we face.