“He believed, hoping against hope..."

Today’s readings feature two men in impossible situations.

In the second reading (Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22), Abraham has no hope and yet, as Saint Paul says here, “He believed, hoping against hope...”

Likewise, in the Gospel selection from Matthew (1:16, 18-21, 24a – one of the choices available on today’s Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary), Saint Joseph faces an impossible situation (the pregnancy of the chaste woman who is the love of his life) and very, very difficult choices.

Yet, like Abraham, “He believed, hoping against hope…”

As we face the impossible situations and difficult choices of our own days, may God give us ever more powerful portions of his mighty gifts of faith and hope.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, be merciful to me - a sinner.