December 18, 2025 Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
Daily Readings: Jeremiah 23:5-8; Matthew 1:18-25
Children of God: Indonesia is famous for its intricate wood carvings, especially those made by the artisans of Bali, Jepara, and the Dayak people. Each piece is carefully shaped by hand, requiring patience, focus, and trust in the process. When you watch a carver at work, the wood does not immediately reveal its beauty. It takes time, vision, and gentle hands to turn a rough block into a masterpiece. What seems like random cuts and chisels are, in fact, part of a greater design known only to the artist. In the same way, God carves our lives through moments we don’t always understand, shaping us into something beautiful according to His divine plan.
In the gospel of Matthew, we encounter Joseph, a man who trusted God’s craftsmanship in his life. When he discovered that Mary was with child, his world must have collapsed. He planned to quietly dismiss her, but an angel appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20). In that moment, Joseph chose to believe and obey. He did not ask for signs or explanations. He simply trusted that God’s plan, though mysterious, was good.
Joseph’s obedience was not a blind one—it was an act of courageous faith. It takes courage to follow God when His ways do not make sense, when the road is uncertain, or when obedience brings misunderstanding from others. Yet Joseph shows us that peace comes not from knowing everything, but from trusting the One who knows all things. His silence throughout the gospels speaks louder than any words—his faith was lived, not spoken.
Just like the woodcarvers, Joseph allowed the Divine Artist to shape his life. Each trial, each decision, each moment of faithfulness was like a careful carving that revealed the beauty of God’s plan. When we face confusion, loss, or fear, we can look to Joseph as our model. To obey God even when afraid is to allow Him to form something beautiful out of our surrender.
Children of God: Let us learn from the quiet strength of Saint Joseph. Like him, may we find courage to say yes to God even when the path is unclear. When life’s events seem rough or confusing, let us remember that God is still carving His masterpiece in us. Trust His hand, follow His call, and let your obedience reveal His glory.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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