hearing is believing
"When Joseph awoke he did as the angel of the Lord had directed him and received her into his home as his wife." —Matthew 1:24
We receive God's grace through faith (Eph 2:8), and we receive faith by hearing God (Rm 10:17). St. Joseph was one of the greatest men of faith in history because he heard and believed God. "The angel of the Lord appeared in a dream" to Joseph and told him that it was "by the Holy Spirit" that his wife conceived Jesus (Mt 1:20). Joseph heard this unprecedented message. Later, the angel of the Lord commanded Joseph to get up and immediately take Jesus and Mary to Egypt (Mt 2:13-14). Joseph heard this astounding message also. Again, Joseph heard the angel of the Lord command him to leave Egypt and take Jesus and Mary back to Israel (Mt 2:19-20). Finally, Joseph heard a warning in another dream to live in Galilee (Mt 2:22).
Because Joseph had great spiritual hearing, he was a great man of faith. We too can choose to hear God. We can develop this capacity given to us at our Baptisms. We do this by repenting, giving our lives to the Lord (see Jn 8:47; 18:37), hearing God's word daily, being quiet daily, and simplifying our lifestyles. Jesus said: "Let him who has ears to hear Me, hear!" (Mk 4:9)
Prayer: Jesus, put Your fingers into my ears and open them (Mk 7:33-34).
Promise: "Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before Me; your throne shall stand firm forever." —2 Sm 7:16
Praise: Simon prayed a novena to St. Joseph for a breakthrough in his marriage. Within days, his prayers were answered.
Reference: (For more teaching on this subject, order our leaflet, Hearing God.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 23, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 27, 1998