God’s Plans vs. My Plans

Today's first reading contains one of the most famous prophesies of all the Scriptures: A virgin will conceive and bear a son. What we don't always think about is the context in which this "sign" is announced: In the face of armies attacking Judah, King Ahaz is belligerent in his design to ally Judah with Egypt. He is insisting on doing his own will, instead of being obedient to God's will. He doesn't even want to hear what God has to say on the matter. We find a clear contrast with Ahaz in our Gospel. Joseph, who also finds himself in an extremely trying and confusing circumstance, opens himself to God and God's will in his life. Obedient to God instead of his own will, he says "yes" to taking on Mary as wife and Jesus as son--thus, you and I can be saved! What wonderful things God can do with our "yes" to His will!