Gospel Summary
After a long list of lineage, Matthew explains in this gospel passage that Jesus is the son of Joseph who descended from David's throne. Joseph was promised to Mary in marriage and that promise at the time of Mary and Joseph, meant almost the same thing as being married. If a person was unfaithful to that promise, they could be killed. Of course Joseph was surprised when Mary came to him with the news that she was pregnant. He loved Mary and did not want to see her punished, so he decided to quietly break away from the promise of marriage. God sent an angel to explain the situation to Joseph. Joseph loved God and Mary and went ahead with his plans to marry her.

Reflection for Families
How often we get an idea in our mind about a situation, and we are so sure we have it right. Instead of taking the time to ask the next clarifying question or listen to another person's explanation or point of view, we continue on the course we have set for understanding. We're not alone. Joseph did the same thing. But through Joseph's example, we learn that things are not always as they seem. Not only can we strive to listen to the other side of the story, but we can ask God to help us see more clearly and come to know God's will for us.

Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
Is there a person, a group of people or a cause with whom you are in disagreement? Perhaps you have been led to hate a world leader, stand on one side or the other of a moral issue, or simply don't like the rules established for you by a governing body. With an open mind take the time to truly look at the other side of the issue. You may not completely change your position, but can you understand why the person or people have acted in the way they have? As always, in this exercise, ask God to open your eyes and your heart to something you may not have considered previously.

Discussion Starters
1. I remember once being asked to do something I did not understand when . .
2. Joseph and Mary are an example to me to say ÒyesÓ to . . .
3. One time when I believe God changed my mind about something was when . . .

Connection to Faith First© Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 25
Kindergarten, page 161 and chapter 10
Grade 1, page 247 parish and page 357 school, and chapters 3 and 16
Grade 2, page 247 parish and page 357 school, and chapter 20
Grade 3, page 247 parish and page 357 school, and chapter 5
Grade 4, page 247 parish and page 357 school, and chapter 22
Grade 5, page 247 parish and page 357 school, and chapter 23
Grade 6, page 247 parish and page 357 school, and chapter 22
Junior High, Morality, chapter 9

Connection to Faith First©
At Home Family Guide, theme 25
Kindergarten, page 161 and chapter 10
Grade 1, page 234 and chapters 1, 4, 16
Grade 2, page 286
Grade 3, page 286
Grade 4, page 286
Grade 5, page 286
Grade 6, page 286
Junior High, Creed and Prayer, page 317 and chapter 7
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, page 317