Refugees in Our Midst by Denise Simeone
Permission to reprint this article comes from Celebrations Publications ( CelebrationPublications . org ), originally published in December 2016 . Art by Julie Lonneman ( Julie Lonneman Studio )
Tag , you ’ re it !
When I was growing up in Ohio I played a variety of games with neighborhood kids and cousins . A common one was hide and seek tag . One person was the chaser or it and tried to tag someone else . There was a place , usually a tree trunk or a pole called safe or home . It was a place where you could run to , touch it , and catch your breath before you went out running again .
I was reminded of this game and its focus on the role of a safe place when I read the first chapters of Matthew ’ s Gospel . Matthew begins his infancy narrative differently than Luke ; in fact , this is the only Gospel where we hear about the dreams of Joseph .
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In Matthew , Joseph plays a pivotal role by showing fidelity to God ’ s call as he protects Mary and her newborn child .
Perhaps as we delve into these initial chapters of Matthew , we catch a glimpse of our role and responsibility in the world . As we anticipate or begin this liturgical new year , let us explore three related passages .
Joseph ’ s Dreams
On the Fourth Sunday of Advent and during the Christmas Vigil Mass , the church proclaims the story of Joseph ’ s troubling discernment . In the first of four dreams , Joseph receives a message by an angel that