Making Up Our Minds

Our society often associates success with material goods. However, this notion of success can blind us to faith's importance when discerning our vocation.

In today’s gospel, Joseph had decided to quietly divorce Mary after hearing that she had conceived a child that was not his. After hearing from the Lord's angel, Joseph allows for faith to shape his vocation as the father of Jesus.

Though “making up our minds” is a normal part of human development, we gradually discover that being flexible and adaptable is a necessary complement that makes our decisions fruitful. Joseph decided and set his intention to divorce his betrothed based on the available information quietly. However, a deep sensitivity in his soul allowed him to change his mind when he received the angel’s message at the deep subconscious level of his dream. In this turn, from his understanding and ideas to the divine will, Joseph invites us to meditate on the most profound mystery of our Christian faith. By dying to ourselves, we become capable of receiving the very life of God.

St. Joseph speaks to me about the importance of discernment and practices trusting the Lord. The religious laws stated that Mary should be stoned for being found with a child out of wedlock. Joseph was unwilling to expose Mary, so he decided to divorce her quietly until he heard the voice of God. Indeed, the next time we “make up our minds” to do something, let us consider waiting to hear what God thinks about it before we act. This spiritual habit - especially appropriate during these lent - will make us like good St. Joseph and conform us to that holy and life-giving cross that redeems the world. Sometimes we may be called to go against the religious laws or leaders of the day and follow our hearts to make a decision based on love.

The world has been losing trust, love, faith; because “we no have many people who serve from heart, rather we only have people who want to be like gods or modern Pharisees.” They need public recognition, and they do not realize God looks deeper into our hearts. Our modern Pharisees go lying to the whole world. Sadly, they never will convince God, who sees and hears in secret. The striving to be like gods will only lead people to a bitter resignation. The one-act that “makes one” genuinely human is surrendering one’s heart and striving to make all hours of one’s existence and work into one great adoration. On the Solemnity of St. Joseph, let us be people who desire to give ourselves to God’s call and exist in solidarity with the vulnerable, but silently, honestly, from the deeper of our hearts, for Christ and in Christ.

Let us pray together:
St. Joseph, you were entrusted to be the foster father of the Son of God.
May we place our trust in your example, and may Mary, your spouse,
increase our gift of gratitude for the divine life that was given to us by Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Author: Yanexi Perez, Language Department