Thursday, December 18 “O Adonai, and Leader of the House of Israel”

Scripture

“Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary

had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child

from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose

her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do

this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do

not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy

Spirit.’” Matthew 1:18–25

Reflection

Today the Church sings, “O Adonai, and Leader of the house of Israel, who

appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the Law on Sinai: come

to redeem us with outstretched arm.”

Adonai means Lord, the divine name revealed to Moses when God spoke from the

burning bush. This title reminds us that the Child soon to be born in Bethlehem is none

other than the Lord of glory who once thundered on Sinai. The infinite God bends low,

taking on the frailty of human flesh. The Word who gave the Law now writes it anew on

human hearts through mercy and grace.

Advent now enters its most sacred days. The promise made to Abraham, the

covenant with David, the faith of Mary, all converge in this moment of expectation. God’s

plan, woven through flawed humanity, reveals a love that never abandons, never forgets,

never gives up. Every name in that genealogy bears witness: grace is stronger than sin, and

God’s purposes cannot fail.

Joseph stands at the threshold of this mystery. In his silence, obedience, and courage,

he embodies what faith looks like when reason cannot yet see. Faced with confusion and

fear, he chooses trust, trusting the voice of God more than his own understanding. Through

that act of faith, the Lord’s plan moves forward; salvation enters the world.

As members of the EOHSJ, Joseph offers a model of humble authority and

courageous obedience. Like him, you are called to protect the mystery of Christ, in your

hearts, in your homes, and in the Holy Land where the Word became flesh. To serve under

the banner of the Cross is to stand, like Joseph, at the side of mystery: guarding, honoring,

and trusting even when the way is hidden.

In this final stretch of Advent, the Lord calls us to that same faith, to believe that

His arm is strong to save, His plan perfect, and His presence constant. The Lord who spoke

to Moses still speaks to us; the God who freed Israel now comes to free every heart.

Prayer

O Adonai and Ruler of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the burning bush and gave

him the Law on Sinai, come with outstretched arm to redeem us. Give us hearts like Joseph,

obedient, courageous, and full of trust. May Your Word find a home within us. Amen.

Meditation Question

Where is God asking me to trust beyond my understanding, like Joseph? How can I

serve the Lord’s plan with quiet faith and steadfast love this Advent?