Paralambanō. It’s the Greek word translated as “took” in the Gospels and it means “to enter into CLOSE relationship.” As in, “When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he TOOK his wife” (Matthew 1:24). The less emphatic version of this word is used by another man of […]
There is a difference between trusting WHAT a person tells us and trusting the PERSON who does the telling. Joseph trusted God, and that was enough for him to follow His plans. When Joseph awoke from his dream, he did not hesitate to do as the angel commanded (Matthew 1:24). Just as Mary did not […]
What is FREEDOM? True Freedom is living in God’s presence without fear of “what if God finds out?” Joseph wasn’t afraid to let God know he felt unworthy to be Mary’s husband. He felt unworthy because he was. But God, in a sense, said, “Do not be afraid – I am worthy, and I will […]
Joseph was fully aware of Mary’s consecration to God, including her offering of her virginity, and he found a way to love her on her terms just as any “just” man would do. Many of us struggle with this part of the story for three reasons: First, it’s difficult for us to imagine that a […]
When’s the last time you engaged in a SPA day? Silent. Prayerful. Adoration. Silence is necessary for holiness. A mature interior life requires intentionality. In an Age where we fill every empty moment with music and images, out of fear of feeling the emptiness, we have become in danger of losing our very humanity. Human […]