Homily – Fourth Sunday of Advent (A)

Dreams are a stream of images and thoughts during sleep, which are tied to processing information and events. Sometimes we remember them vividly and sometimes we don’t. Not only do we dream while we are asleep but we can also find ourselves daydreaming while we are awake! Possibly, we might be daydreaming now about our Christmas festivities and more likely our holiday activities afterwards!

In this weekend’s Gospel, we find a description of Joseph’s dream from Matthew and his role in the birth of Christ. A righteous man wanting to do what is right, St Joseph is confronted with the dilemma of conforming to the Jewish law while also upholding the dignity of Mary; a tension that we Christians find ourselves in relation to church teaching and the dignity of the human person.

As with most people, Joseph has good intentions but like most men sometimes his actions fall very short. After all, in the grand scheme of things why would anyone break it off with Mary; the greatest woman on earth, who will eventually give birth to the Son of God, the greatest human on earth? Luckily, God sends him an angel clarifying any kind of delusion. St Joseph teaches us sometimes we get it wrong but God always sees our intentions.

In the past week, the whole country was shaken by the nightmare of the Bondi shootings with 15 innocent people killed and 40 injured. Their intention was clear and their religious views failed to take into account the human person. Unlike St Joseph, their actions must be condemned by proper justice. Family and friends of these victims now have their future dreams shattered; no longer able to spend time together in this world.

Despite all this mess surrounding Christmas, God reminds us Christ is about to be born. He will be called Emmanuel, meaning “God-is-with-us.” It can be difficult to see God during these times but Christ continues to remain with us among all this cruelty.

The angel told Joseph “do not be afraid” because she is filled with the Holy Spirit. During these times may we offer consolation and peace to those in need. May we as Christians be filled with the Holy Spirit and like St Joseph not be afraid to help others realise that God is here with us.

By Fr Ian Vergel