The Gospel is from the solemnity of Joseph. It is St. Matthew, 1st chapter, 16th verse, 18, 21st verse and the 24th verse. 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 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. Joseph was a good man and he wanted to do what was right, but he didn’t want to harm Mary. And so he’s in this blocked place and doesn’t know what to do. And what does he do? He listens to a sign. In a dream, an angel comes and tells him the answer.

We need to listen to signs. We need to discern them and follow them. Foreign the closing prayer Father, you’ve given us a mind and a heart to discern and to decide, but we need to be open. Open to the ways in which you can communicate with us, a direction that will bring life to our world. Help us to trust in those things that you use to guide us to the truth. Amen.