DAILY HOMILIES #new testament

Joseph is considered the Father of Jesus because he agreed to marry Mary even after learning about Mary’s pregnancy. This marriage was not the usual marriage because Mary, who had previously consecrated herself to God, was now about to give birth to God. By accepting Mary's marriage, Joseph chose to be her guardian, the protector of the Holy Family. Nevertheless, this implies that Joseph embraced celibacy and served as an eunuch for the sake of God’s divine plan.

Today, Jesus tells us that if we desire to be great in the kingdom of heaven, we should not only strive to obey all of God’s commandments to the letter but also make efforts to teach them to others. Jesus says: “Whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19)

We live in a troubled world. Just glimpse at the pages of our newspapers. Go online to see what is trending in our nation or even around the world, and you cannot but agree that humanity is troubled. Jesus perfectly understands our troubled situation and seeks to console us. Last Sunday, we heard Jesus say: “I shall not be with you much longer… I give you a new commandment, love one another just as I have loved you.” (John 13:33-35). Jesus makes us understand that if we love one another as he loved us, our world would be less troubled. Today, Jesus says to us: “Peace I give to you; not as the world gives… let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27). While we face troubles from the world around us in the form of persecution, injustice, and hatred by those who do not know God, let us bear in mind that the peace of Jesus is not of this world. It is a peace that comes with knowing that we are just pilgrims on our way home.