by Joseph Sandoval | Dec 19, 2019 | General
As is the tradition in the Gospel of Luke, the poor and oppressed are held up. In this story, only told in Luke’s gospel, the shepherds are the first to have the news proclaimed to them of the birth of the messiah. Most likely being nomads, it would be especially good... 
by Joseph Sandoval | Dec 18, 2019 | General
Later tradition says that Jesus was born in a cave, but the text from Luke’s gospel indicates it was in a outdoor space near the inn. From Luke’s gospel comes the tradition that Joseph and Mary could not stay in the comfort of the inn because there was no... 
by Joseph Sandoval | Dec 17, 2019 | General
Henri J.M. Nouwen, in his book “Advent and Christmas Wisdom,” reminds us that when we journey, like Mary and Joseph did, God is with us. “God came to us because [God] wanted to join us on the road, to listen to our story, and to help us realize that we are not walking... 
by Joseph Sandoval | Dec 16, 2019 | General
In this rather short passage from the Gospel of Matthew, the trust and faith of Joseph is demonstrated. The word came to Joseph, about the conception of Jesus trough the Holy Spirit, through a dream. Like Joseph, we are also called to listen for the word of God in our... 
by Joseph Sandoval | Dec 15, 2019 | General
The author of Luke’s gospel focused on Mary prior to the birth narrative, the author of Matthew’s gospel tells the story form Joseph’s point of view. The name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua, which means “to deliver” or... 
by Joseph Sandoval | Dec 14, 2019 | General
The text from the passage of scripture is popularly know as the Canticle of Zechariah. Like the Canticle of Mary, it is largely composed of phrases from the Septuagint and is likely Jewish-Christian hymn. It does not directly answer the question Zechariah was asked in...