THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST

March 19, 2011

 

D A I L Y G O S P E L

 

Joseph’s faithfulness to God’s call is something we should all seek to imitate. He is not alone in being faithful to God’s call but his role in the life of Jesus deserves to be reflected upon so that we can draw any lessons in it that may be there for us. Let us never be satisfied with mere lip service to the will of God or the example of the lives of the saints.

 

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL OR ALLELUIA

R: Alleluia, alleluia

Blessed are those who dwell in your house, O Lord; they never cease to praise you.

R: Alleluia, alleluia

 

Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 (or Luke 2:41-51)

16 Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. 18 Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose

her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 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. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.