Thursday 8 September

the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin

Micah 5:1-4, Ps 13, Mathew 1:1-16, 18-23.

A sign of contradiction

The disciple is a person of gracious freedom. The disciple is directed to shake the dust off his feet when rejected (Matt 10:14-15), pray for enemies, and love those who hate him (Matt 5:44). Free vulnerable discipleship is a sign of contradiction to worldly power. Joseph thinks he is acting with honour in casting Mary aside. However, Joseph’s worldly intention interferes with Godly contradiction. The faithful disciple makes his own the words of Isaiah: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways says the Lord” (Is 55:8).