Mercy Over Law

Gospel: Matthew 1: 18-25

The story of Jesus' birth can be seen from many different perspectives.  Joseph discovers - we know not how - that Mary his wife to be is pregnant with child.  Immediately we are faced with the harsh law of the day.  Mary could be exposed to the full weight of the law, and she could face death for adultery, as Joseph is not the father of the child.  This is but one of the possible outcomes Mary faces, and it is within Joseph's power to do so.

Joseph, however, takes a less severe approach.  He decides to divorce Mary quietly and not expose her to the full weight of the law.  In this scenario, Mary and her child would have their lives spared and be allowed to live in some marginal existence on the peripheries.  Mary and child would be seen as outcasts, but could still eke out a living doing menial work and tasks for others.  There may even be some compassionate folks who take pity on them and help even more.  

Yet, Joseph is inspired in a dream to do the truly remarkable and merciful thing: to take Mary as his wife and accept the child as his own.  Mary and child now have the full protection of law both religious and civil.  From the very first Gospel story the entire life and mission of Jesus is one of mercy, not law.  It is about finding ways to reconcile what has been alienated, to bring all people together into the one family of God.