Joseph & His Role

Throughout the Advent season, we pay a lot of attention to Mary. Today, we pay attention to the role that Joseph has to play. His role is very similar to ours.
It took great courage for Mary to say, "yes," to the Archangel Gabriel and become the Mother of God. Her "yes" made it possible for the whole human race to be healed. The question now comes to Joseph. Will he say "yes" and invite Mary into his home?
This is not an easy "yes" for Joseph to say. She has become pregnant out of wedlock with a child that is not his own.
If Joseph says "yes" to Mary, his friends will make fun of him and belittle him. He will be the joke of the town. He will be the subject of shame. 
Imagine if Joseph did not invite Mary and Jesus into his home. Sure, he would have spared himself some embarrassment. However, he would have missed out on being part of the greatest adventure in human history. By welcoming Mary and Jesus into his home, by welcoming Mary and Jesus into his life, Joseph was able to experience a love and graces that his neighbors couldn't possibly imagine.
Given the recent public sins of our clergy, out of shame, it can be hard to still invite Mary, the Church, the bearer of Christ into our homes. What will the neighbors think? However, if we want to experience the same transformative love and grace that Joseph experienced in his life, we need to listen to the encouragement of our guardian angels more than the ridicule of our neighbors and make a place for Mary and her Son, Jesus, in our homes.
God bless,
Fr. Scott