4A Advent Sunday Homily, Matthew 1:18-24, December 21, 2025
By Fr. Vincent
Corbelli, MM
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.
