A Life Lesson from Joseph and Mary

When God told Joseph and Mary about the forthcoming birth of Jesus, they could have resisted the news. After all, conceiving a child out of wedlock was a serious matter. But we know they each accepted the noble assignment with tremendous faith and trust. Joseph “did what the angel of the Lord commanded” (Matthew 1:24) and followed through with the wedding.

Clinging to Faith

In the midst of his suffering, Job cried out to the Lord in despair and even anger, emotions most people can easily relate to. What Catholic hasn’t felt that God has tested him or her with what we think are unreasonable hardships? Job, too, believed the tragedies that happened to him—the death of his children, the slaughter of his servants, the destruction of his home and livestock—were things he didn’t deserve.

Wisdom of the Poor

James 2:5 says God has “chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith.” Well, I met several ‘rich’ poor folks in Haiti. They may live in abject poverty, but they exhibit a wealth of faith, generosity, and contentment I’ve rarely glimpsed in our country. Here are some words of wisdom they shared that many American Catholics could take to heart.