Commentary on the Gospel of
Emmanuel, God with us
- Patience at moment of crisis
- Submission to God’s will
- Active participation in God’s plan
Jeremiah is famous for his prophecy of God’s ‘new covenant’ with the house of Israel. In the Lord Jesus Christ this new covenant is accomplished. Today’s Gospel reading narrates this special fulfilment of the long-awaited promise of the Messiah: the ‘Emmanuel, God with us.’
The process of its accomplishment was not an easy road! First, Joseph is stormed with the shock of his life – Mary was found to be with child! How do you deal with very challenging situations? Sometimes one gets emotionally upset and takes rash decision. Joseph models emotional management, especially of anger and frustration for us. We need patience to deeply comprehend the meaning and message of given situations. St. Paul tells us that ‘where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.’ This shows clearly in Joseph’s containment of his anger amid his apparent disappointment. In his discerning process, the angel comes to his aid! When emotionally upset, we are encouraged not to rush into action! Patience is our great tool of appropriating God’s blessings.
Matthew reminds us that “Jesus was born of Mary, the betrothed of Joseph, a son of David.” The birth of Jesus brings, in the here and now, God’s presence! The name is Emmanuel, God with us. The popular song says ‘Great things happen when God mixes with us!’ How do I create environs that nourish me, refresh me spiritually and otherwise, amid God’s abiding presence? Joseph’s attitudinal response to pregnant Mary’s situation models for us: patience in moment of crisis; submissiveness to divine inspiration; and active participation in God’s plan. May through his intercessions, we await the nativity of our Lord in an attitude of ‘joyful embrace’ of the Word of God.
