Matthew 1:18–24
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in
this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they
lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband
Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace,
planned to dismiss her quietly. 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, for
he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what
had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall
conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, ‘God is
with us.’” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord
commanded him; he took her as his wife.
Reflection
Do I invite the Spirit to prompt me?
How ready am I to hear what the Spirit might
suggest?