Many historians call the present point of human history the Age of The Triumph of Science.  Most of us might agree with that.  Every time we jump behind the wheel of a car, or use a computer, or pop something into the microwave, we enjoy the fruits of outstanding scientific achievement.  However, the “triumph” goes beyond technological advances.  Most of us are captive to a scientific mentality, and we are easily persuaded to rely on facts, figures, and “proof” as the only trustworthy criteria to understand life and validate truth.  Even as good Christians, we may be tempted to lose our faith in faith as a legitimate way of handling life and its endless challenges.   
       Our Gospel this weekend tells a story of remarkable faith.  A little reflection should indicate what heroic figures of faith Mary and Joseph really were.  A young, unmarried teenager, Mary learned from an angel that she was to become pregnant by the Holy Spirit.  Joseph, who was supposed to marry her, was assured by an angel, in a dream, no less, that the pregnancy was God’s doing, and that he should go ahead with the marriage!  Could you ever imagine accepting any of this in terms of logic or science?  Would not these heavenly visions be regarded as grounds for concern, if not immediate therapeutic intervention for Mary and Joseph?   
       Christians, who are called “people of faith,” have a way of looking at life that involves more than scientific theory, logic, and proof.  We do not belittle science or negate scientific inquiry; we simply say that, given the vast mysteriousness of life, a scientific mentality is too narrow in its perspective, too limited in what it can see.  There is more to life than what can be viewed under a microscope or through a telescope; what is truly essential is most often hidden from the eye.  
        We cannot live a more enhanced life without faith.  It takes faith to see life from God’s perspective, to see our role in a magnificent design that transcends the trivialities that occupy much of daily life.  It takes faith to expand ourselves trustingly into the non-logical realms of mystery and fantasy.  It takes faith to see graciousness in a world suffocating with problems and fears.  Most practically, it takes faith to get us through our problems and open our eyes to the possibilities of a better life for ourselves.   
       Science can give us statistics, but only faith can give us dreams.  In this last week of Advent, we need to ponder the story of Mary and Joseph and renew our faith in faith as a legitimate way of handling our lives and our relationships.  Faith is believing light will shine in the deepest night of human darkness!  Think about it !! Christmas is almost here!