TOPIC:
ST. JOSEPH, A MODEL OF OBEDIENCE
4A Advent Sunday Homily, Matthew 1:18-24, December 18, 2022
1) STORY
One day John was caring for his master’s sheep when a hunter came
riding out of the forest and asked how far the nearest village was. After John
informed him the village was about six miles away along a narrow winding path,
the rider asked John to lead him to the village and he would pay him. John refused saying he must care for his
master’s sheep. The hunter was impressed
with John’s faithfulness and obedience to his master. Suddenly, several men came riding out of the
forest happy to see the hunter. Only then
did John realize the hunter was a prince. Several days later the prince invited John to
his palace and asked John to work for him as he was so faithful and obedient. John promised to work for the prince after his
master found another shepherd. St. Joseph
was such a faithful and obedient person.
2) GOSPEL, MATTHEW 1:18-24
A) JOSEPH’ S PROBLEM.
Mary
was betrothed to Joseph and before they lived together, she was found with
child through the Holy Spirit. What was
he to do?
B) THE SOLUTION. JOSEPH OBEYED.
Joseph
did as the angel commanded him, and he took his wife into his home.
3) APPLICATION TO LIFE
A) PROBLEMS IN LIFE.
During
the course of our lives, everyone encounters both small and large problems. For example, some problems may be related to
the health, family, money, work or even religious problems. Such problems bring us pressure, worries and
ultimately unhappiness.
B) THE SOLUTION. OBEY GOD.
It
is very important for us to obey God. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph have given us a
good example. A car driver must obey
traffic laws to avoid accidents. A
musician must obey the conductor to perform well. We must obey God who will give us the wisdom
and strength to help solve our problems. God will give us the ability to carry our
cross. Being obedient and faithful to
God’s commands will bring us joy, happiness, and peace.
4) CONCLUSION
John, the shepherd boy, was blessed because he was an obedient and
faithful servant. St. Joseph was blessed
as he obeyed God’s command sent through the angel. We must follow the good example of St. Joseph
and obey God by loving him, our neighbor, and ourselves. By obeying God, we are blessed with peace and
happiness.
