18 December
2nd Day of Christmas Novena
Gospel Matthew 1:18-24
In today’s Gospel we encounter the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where the eternal Son of God humbles Himself to take on human flesh. This act of divine love and humility is revealed in the most unassuming way: Christ is born of the Virgin Mary, a simple and pure servant of God, and entrusted to the care of Joseph, a humble, righteous, and obedient man. Together, Mary and Joseph embody trust in God’s mysterious and sometimes unexpected plans, reflecting the same humility that Christ Himself would embrace through His life and mission. The name Emmanuel, meaning “God with us,” is central to today’s reflection. It is a powerful reminder that God, in His infinite love, chose to dwell among us. He did not come in grandeur or with earthly power but in the quiet vulnerability of human frailty. By becoming one of us, Christ sanctifies our humanity, bringing salvation and the promise of eternal communion with Him. As we reflect on the beauty of Emmanuel—God with us—we recognize that the path to true holiness lies in humility: in embracing our smallness, in surrendering to God’s love, and in becoming instruments of His grace to others. May we imitate the humility of Christ, the faith of Mary, and the righteousness of Joseph as we prepare our hearts to welcome the Savior into our lives. Let’s reflect: How can I imitate Christ’s humility and trust in God’s plan in my own life, especially in moments of uncertainty or when His will challenges my expectations?
Don Giorgio