Because God is in our midst, enlivening and strengthening us with his love, we can face the future with hope.

Sometimes it seems that there are hoops to jump through at every turn.

Sometimes the give-and-take of prayer is a mystery.

As today’s Gospel suggests, righteousness is no guarantee of a smooth life.

Maybe this week you could pray to Joseph and ask him to help you respond to the call of the young man whom he helped to raise.

Out of the welter of misfits, black sheep and skeletons in the closet God brings Jesus.