Fourth Week of Advent Reflection
Sr. Susan Nicole Reuber

On this 4th Sunday of Advent, we are brought into Joseph’s world. I think sometimes we forget about the “yes” that he made in salvation’s story. His “yes” might not be as important as we think Mary’s is, but it does play an important role.   

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I must admit that I was always sort of confused why it was a hardship for Joseph to end the engagement. In our world, engagements are broken without consequences or even a second thought. But I have learned as I was preparing this commentary that engagement was different in Joseph and Mary’s time. The first step came betrothal, a marriage contract only broken by divorce then the second step was a marriage feast, and the groom took his wife to his home.  Mary and Joseph were thought to be in the in between place. The first step had taken place, the second in jeopardy.   

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For me understanding this puts a new light on Joseph and his decision. We are unsure of how much Mary actually told Joseph, but we know that he was ready to divorce her. He believed that was the right thing to do. But then he had a dream that changed it all. He was given the details and was told “Do not be afraid.” The dream confirms that this baby was not an ordinary baby. The end of the Gospel tells us that Joseph changes his mind and takes Mary into his home. 

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So, what can we learn from Joseph? 

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Joseph put aside societal shame and chose to trust God’s revelation. Wow! Can we put aside how others will perceive us to choose God’s will? Joseph wasn’t the center-stage star, but his supporting role was pivotal.  His obedience supported another’s calling.  Joseph joins Mary as a model of faithfulness. Just as Joseph was included in Mary’s calling, we too enfold other people into our own calling. We never stand alone. Who played a major part in your calling? As I look at my own, there is one person who stands out in my choosing religious life. That would be my sister Jill. Even though I always said no at the beginning when asked when I would enter, I watched how she lived. I saw the joy she found in living the Rule of St. Benedict and living in community. She then invited me to a come and see weekend which started my own journey.  Without her calling and “yes” to becoming a Benedictine, I am not sure I would have even started discerning and eventually saying yes. Jill’s obedience and many others supported my calling.  

Mary said yes first, Joseph was ready to divorce her, but an angel coming to him in a dream changed his mind and he said yes even when he knew people would talk. Mary’s obedience must have supported Joseph’s yes. Just as Mary, Joseph trusted in God’s will.  It is through his willingness to believe the angel that Mary and the vulnerable baby Jesus would be supported, protected and provided for. 

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Joseph teaches us to be open to the mystery of God that takes us beyond ourselves.  Will you be open?