Thursday of the Third Week of Advent December 18, 2003 O Adonai, Sacred Lord of Ancient Israel! Scripture: Jeremiah 23:5-8; Matthew 1:18-25 Reflection: Today Matthew invites us to ponder several important elements in Joseph's relationship with Mary. First, is the element of uncomfortableness with Mary's pregnancy, her lack of communication to explain it and the burden of trying to resolve what was tearing him apart by the only alternative he knew - to divorce her quietly. The message given in his dream added to his uncomfortableness, yet he followed the message and welcomed her into his home. How Joseph must have struggled with what could not be fully understood. Another element is humility: -the humility of God the Creator, God the Holy Spirit, and God the Son acting within human customs and laws to be made flesh in the womb of a woman so that there may be living union with the Divine Three - the humility of Mary and Joseph in giving the Spirit the freedom to act in them -the humility of God who now awaits our cooperation in the divine plan. Suggested Action: During this Advent time spotlight in your own life times when you experienced the burdens of uncomfortableness and unfulfillment. Pray for an Advent angel to guide you to discover, like Joseph, the deepest meaning of Christmas. Sr. Gloria Frank Philadelphia, Mississippi

Pray for an Advent angel to guide you to discover, like Joseph, the deepest meaning of Christmas. Graphic: Sr. Patricia Woll, IHM