Dream Big, Obey Boldly: What St. Joseph Teaches Us from Matthew 1:18-25

Ever woken up from a wild dream feeling like it meant something huge? Or scrolled through your feed seeing everyone chasing their "best life" while wondering what God's got planned for you? Today's Gospel from Matthew 1:18-25 drops us right into St. Joseph's story – the ultimate chill dad who trusted God through confusion, dreams, and massive plot twists. This isn't just ancient history; it's a blueprint for navigating your life, college drama, career stress, or whatever curveballs life throws. Let's break it down into four fire points that hit different.

1. God Speaks in Dreams – So Keep Dreaming, Folks!

Picture this: Joseph's chilling, probably planning his future with Mary, when boom – Mary's pregnant, and it's not what he expected. He's a just guy, doesn't want drama, so he's thinking of quietly dipping out (Mt 1:19). Enter the angel in a dream: "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her" (Mt 1:20).

This isn't Joseph's first rodeo with dreams. In Genesis, his ancestor Joseph (yeah, the coat-of-many-colors dude) got divine downloads through dreams too. And later in Matthew, angels hit Joseph up again – warning him to flee to Egypt and then return home (Mt 2:13, 19). Dreams are Joseph's jam, and God's megaphone to him.

Pope Francis gets it – he straight-up calls out us young people:

"A young person has to dream. ... I invite you to dream big. A young person who does not dream is already retired. Are any of you young people retired?"

God hasn't changed His style. That late-night dream about your calling? That gut feeling after prayer? Dream big, fam! God might be whispering your next step – a mission trip, switching majors, or starting that side hustle for His kingdom. Don't retire early; chase those God-sized dreams!

2. Everything Happens for a Reason – God's Got Bigger Plans

Verse 22-23 seals it: "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,' which means 'God is with us'" (Mt 1:22-23).

Joseph had plans, right? Normal life: marry Mary, build a family, carpenter shop in Nazareth. But nope – God's scripting the biggest story ever: fathering the Savior. His "plans" got hijacked for eternity. Sound familiar? You map out your Insta-perfect life, but breakup, job rejection, or family mess hits. It's all part of the divine plot twist.

Pope Francis nails this for youth ministry:

"I think of those young people who are downcast, who no longer lift their eyes to the horizon, who have put aside their great dreams and are now trapped in disillusionment... Jesus is hope, for you, for us, and for everyone!"

Your struggles? Not random. Like Joseph, God's weaving them into something epic. Trust the process – He's making you an "Emmanuel" bearer in your squad, campus, or TikTok.

3. Wake Up and Obey – Joseph Did Everything God Asked

No half-measures here. "When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home" (Mt 1:24). He didn't negotiate, ghost the angel, or post a poll on Stories: "Should I marry her? Yes/No." He did everything – married her, named the Baby Jesus, protected the family on the run.

St. John Chrysostom breaks it down: Joseph showed "readiness of will like Mary's" – total surrender. Pope John Paul II in Redemptoris Custos highlights this: Joseph "took her in all the mystery of her motherhood."

Young blood, obedience isn't lame – it's power moves! That nudge to forgive your ex, serve at church, or ditch the party? Do it all. Joseph's "yes" changed history. Yours can too. As Pope Leo XIV told youth in Košice: "Do not be afraid... to live the Gospel with enthusiasm.”

4. Meet Jesus – The One Who Saves You from Your Sins

The angel drops the mic: "She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins" (Mt 1:21).  Jesus = "God saves." Not from bad grades or FOMO, but the real enemy: sin that traps us in selfishness, addiction, isolation.

This is hope central! No matter your mess – porn struggles, anxiety spirals, toxic vibes – Jesus came to free you. Pope Francis echoes: Joy is Christianity's vibe – check Gaudete et Exsultate for that daily holiness glow-up.

Joseph named Him Jesus, stepping into salvation's story. Will you?

5. Level Up Your Faith – Join the Ablaze Retreat!

St. Joseph's life screams: Dream bold, trust the plan, obey fully, and let Jesus save you. You're not retired – you're called to #NextLevelChristianity!

Ready to dream bigger with God? Sign up for the Ablaze Residential Retreat now – time to encounter Jesus, make lifelong squad, and ignite your fire! Spots filling fast: Register here.

Dream on, obey up, and let's change the world like Joseph. What's your next "yes" to God?