Readings: Jeremiah 23:5-8, Ps. 72:1-2,12-13,18-19, Matthew 1:18-24
“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” (Genesis 49:10)
- Like Joseph of the Old Testament, Joseph, the Father of Jesus, was also a great dreamer. Just as Joseph, the Son of Jacob, welcomed his family to Egypt to save them from the famine, Joseph, the Father of Jesus, would have to flee at night with Mary and the baby Jesus to Egypt to save him from Herod.
- Again, as in the Old Testament, Joseph was industrious and chaste in the house of Potiphar; so was Joseph, the Father of Jesus, industrious (a carpenter). There is so much we must learn from the Josephs of the Old and New Testaments.
- Joseph is considered the Father of Jesus because he agreed to marry Mary even after learning about Mary’s pregnancy. This marriage was not the usual marriage because Mary, who had previously consecrated herself to God, was now about to give birth to God.
- By accepting Mary's marriage, Joseph chose to be her guardian, the protector of the Holy Family. Nevertheless, this implies that Joseph embraced celibacy and served as an eunuch for the sake of God’s divine plan.
- Some Christians argue that a man can't be married to a woman without having carnal relations with her. Such Christians forget that with God, nothing is impossible. If God could make Elizabeth conceive in her old age and Mary conceive without knowing a man, He could also grant Joseph the grace of celibacy. To doubt this truth is to question the incarnation of Jesus.
- Despite giving birth to Jesus, Mary remained a virgin throughout her life. She and Joseph had no children. Those persons referred to as Jesus' brothers and sisters in the Bible are not biological children of Joseph and Mary but relations. Just as it takes faith to believe that Mary gave birth to God, it also requires faith to believe the truth about Joseph and Mary.
- Joseph’s decision to marry Mary was his contribution to our salvation history; for this, he deserves a lot of commendation. It shouldn’t come as a surprise today that many now include Joseph’s name in the salutation: “Glory to Jesus, honour to Mary and Joseph.”
- The role of Joseph in the life of Jesus proves that every child needs a father who is there to provide, protect and train. Today is another day to say a big thank you to our Fathers: the men who were there for us from the cradle, the men who bore the harsh heat of the sun and worked all day just to put food on our tables, the men who were our first teachers in the faith, the men who disciplined us when we went astray.
- Fathers are not necessarily biological. Are you a Father? What kind of Father are you?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, bless our Fathers, biological fathers, foster fathers and even our Reverend fathers. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (December 18. Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Jeremiah 23:5-8, Ps. 72:1-2,12-13,18-19, Matthew 1:18-24).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu