“Do not be afraid”

The Gospel according to Matthew 1:18-24

Lectio: What does the text say?

Jesus disse à multidão:

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.

After this text, what are the words, phrases, or actions that draw your attention, your interest?

Meditatio: What is God saying to you through the text?

Joseph also receives this message “Do not be afraid” and the “Holy Spirit.”

Joseph not only saw the child Jesus, but also conversed with him, hugged him with fatherly tenderness and covered him with kisses; with care, he educated him, taught him good values and without comparison, fed the one who would be the bread of eternal life for the faithful. Because of this sublime dignity that God confers to his faithful and attentive servant, the Church has always honored and exalted Joseph with exceptional following, though less than the Mother of God. Always, in critical times, the Church has implored his help… That’s why we solemnly declare Saint Joseph the Patron of the Catholic Church. Am I like Joseph and Mary in accepting to be an instrument of God? Do I always pray and be attentive to the Holy Spirit? Do I take care of my family like Joseph and Mary, teaching them good values like love, respect, responsibility, etc? How do I behave before my fears? What do I do to surpass them?

After the message of this text, what is your personal meditation, your personal reflection?

Oratio: What do I say to God?

I want to be your instrument. Come Holy Spirit, fill my life with good messages, with good actions. Act through me, giving all that you allow, that what you have given me may be used to serve you and to serve my brothers and sisters.

After the message of this text, what is your personal prayer?

Include your intentions.

Amen.

Contemplación, ¿Cómo interiorizamos la Palabra de Dios?

“Do not be afraid”

(Repeat)

“Do not be afraid”

“Do not be afraid”

After the message of this text, what word, phrase, paragraph, or action helps you remember this text?

Actio: What do I promise God?

Today, remember Joseph and Mary, that like all human beings, were afraid, but also believed in God and the Holy Spirit. Follow their example, transmitting the message of God through good actions, values, and teachings.

‍After the message of this text, what is the concrete action that God is inviting you to do?