Homily of the 4th Sunday of Advent
By Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp
Isaiah 7:10-14, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-24
The birth of Jesus was long foretold. God, in his Son our Lord Jesus Christ, entered human history in a manner that surpassed human understanding. His invitations in our lives often come wrapped in situations that demand patient faith and a discerning spirit.
It is indeed inconceivable, by human reasoning, that a virgin should conceive. This was Mary’s experience, one that nearly led Joseph to disown her until his doubts were resolved in a dream. “An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’”
In the same way, there are unusual situations and seemingly impossible events around us that we often shy away from. Such moments require patience and a calm heart to perceive what God is about to do in us or through us. Had Joseph been too hasty, choosing to divorce Mary publicly or hand her over to be stoned, the history of the Incarnation would have been interrupted. Being a righteous man who did not take the integrity of his beloved for granted, he resolved to send her away quietly. This decision bought him time for God’s revelation concerning the pregnancy to unfold.
Likewise, this challenges cultures that treat women as property and resort to violence or humiliation at the slightest provocation or mistake. Men who truly love their wives think twice before exposing their family secrets. This also applies to women. Those who truly love their partner know the value of patience. They give time to understand a situation before passing judgment. Who knows if the suspected person is innocent?
Moreso, our reactions to the failures of others often reveal more about us than about them. Those who judge hastily are often potential offenders waiting for opportunity. Joseph’s patience allowed God to make the truth clear to him.
We are therefore called to exercise faith in all that comes our way, through others and through the circumstances of our lives. We are invited to fix our gaze on God, who makes our paths straight through the gradual unfolding of his will.
May the Lord who always desire to dwell among his people make his path clearer to us, that we embrace Him anytime He meets in those moments which seem unfamiliar. May we truly understand the mystery of Christ’ birth and thereby enjoy the love his coming brings into the world Amen.
