“When Joseph woke up from sleep, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him.” Matthew 1, 18-24

The Gospel of Matthew presents us with the origin of Jesus, highlighting his belonging to the descendants of David, thus fulfilling the promise of the Messiah announced in the Old Testament. Israel has a deep memory of King David, not only for his justice and leadership, but also for his ability to recognize his sin and allow himself to be transformed by God. These same attitudes are highlighted in Joseph, a just, sensitive man, capable of compassionate discernment. His initial decision to silently distance himself from Mary already revealed his thoughtfulness, but the dream and the voice of the angel lead him to trust and fully open himself to the logic of God, which surpasses the law in order to position himself in love. What does this passage inspire us for our concrete life during this time of Advent? What decisions can express the joy and presence of God in our daily actions?