Sunday, September 2, 2018

Matthew 1:20-21

But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus.

Part of the miracle

We are all part of the miracle. Every one of us. We each have a part to play in making Immanuel, God with us. Each of us exercises a role that enables the Incarnation, the enfleshment of the Loving Mystery, to happen and bring the laughter of truest joy to our lips.

Some roles are quiet and small but no less essential to the mystery of God’s dwelling among and in us. Little is said of Joseph, husband of Mary. And he says even less, nothing actually. We never hear his voice.

Believing a nocturnal vision, he takes the risk of becoming the protector and husband of a girl pregnant, under suspicious circumstances, with a child who can never be his. The family will be forced to flee murderous tyranny, becoming refugees in a foreign land soon after the birth of the child, Jesus.

There is nothing flashy about Joseph. He just does his part, brings his wife and child back to his little home town when the threat is past … then disappears. We hear nothing more about him and can only assume he taught young Jesus the tricks and tools of his trade.

He reminds me of so many quiet souls who live and love in their own way. Never calling great (or any) attention to themselves, they live their lives, doing what is needed, giving what is in their mind and heart to their families, towns and neighborhoods, seldom receiving many thanks and never any accolades except when they pass from this life. Then, it seems, we feel the ache of their absence and realize what a difference they have made … and how much love they quietly gave.

They remind me a bit of my father. They are Joseph.

Joseph played his role and because he did we know the saving power of the Love who lived and spoke and touches each of us through Jesus. He helped Immanuel, God with us, to happen.

But he was more. Joseph didn’t only help Immanuel happen. He was Immanuel, too. The Loving Mystery was real and present, speaking in his care and unassuming faithfulness to the task the Lord gave him.

He was part of the miracle. We all are. The miracle happens every time we do our part, living the Love who is in us through the tasks we are given, small and great. Each and every time, Immanuel happens in and through us.

So be as Joseph and let it happen. Today.

Pr. David L. Miller