Reflecting on Service and Responsibility this Advent Season
I was honored to be invited by the Chaplain of the House to contribute to this year’s Congressional Advent Reflection 2025. Each Advent members are asked to reflect on a passage of Scripture that speaks to them, and when the Chaplain reached out, I immediately thought of a verse that holds deep meaning for me, especially during the holidays. I chose Matthew 1:20–21: “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” This passage reflects the character of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of Tinian (and of lawyers), and speaks to the quiet strength he carried in accepting responsibility for the good of others. To me, it is a reminder of the responsibility we all share to carry our part of the burden for the betterment of our families and our community. I am grateful that my reflection was included in the publication and especially moved that they chose to include the Chamorro prayer, allowing others to appreciate this important part of our culture.