Dear Parishioners of Saint Polycarp,
Merry Christmas! Christmas is Jesus’ birthday: The name Jesus means “God saves, or God is Salvation.” Thus, Christmas is a celebration of the birthday of the Savior, who comes to save the universe from darkness of sins and corruption.
Normally, when we talk about Jesus’ birth, we talk about His mother Mary. Today, on the birthday of the Savior, I wish to share with you Mary’s husband—Joseph, whose name is mentioned in the Gospel from the Fourth Sunday of Advent to Christmas vigil and morning Masses, and on the Feast of the Holy Family.
In the Fourth Sunday of Advent’s Angelus, Pope Francis highlighted that “[the final Sunday of Advent, the Gospel guides us towards Christmas through the experience of Saint Joseph, a figure seemingly in second place, but whose attitude encapsulates all Christian wisdom… [He is a modest person] who does not speak, but tries to do God’s will; and he does it in the style of the Gospel” (December 22, 2019).
We all know and hear of the story of Joseph and Mary’s relationship— that is, before they live together, Mary is found pregnant. Worse still, Joseph finds out that he is not the father of the child. “The Law gives him two options. The first is to accuse Mary and make her pay the price for her alleged infidelity. The second is to secretly annul their engagement without exposing Mary to scandal and to harsh consequences, taking upon him, however, the burden of shame. So, Joseph chooses the second option, the way of mercy” (l.cit). He opted for God’s way, instead of his way.
During this special and sacred season of Christmas, Joseph teaches us to live the way of God—that is, (1) to respect the dignity of the other person, especially the one who is so dear to us, such as a family member or a friend, for the dignity of each person is the imago Dei (the image of God). In the case of Mary, Joseph could have taken the first option to accuse her, to call off the wedding, and to shame her. Yet, he respected Mary for he saw and understood God’s love and action for the world; and (2) to see that God’s plan is always bigger than our personal ideas, ways, or agenda. In the case of Joseph, he could have said “no” to God’s angel, for he has the right to say “no.” Yet, when he understood God’s bigger plan, he let go off his personal ideas. By saying “YES” to God’s plan, Joseph opens to “Deus incarnatum est” ~ (God is made flesh). Like Mary, his “YES” brings us the gift of Baby Jesus!
Joining my brother priests, deacons, religious sisters, and staff, I wish you a holy, warmth Christmas and a happy New Year 2026! May Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph bless you always.
Fr. Viet Peter Ho
Pastor
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