Readings: 2 Samuel 7:4-5,12-14,16, Ps. 89:2-5,27,29, Romans 4:13,16-18,22, Matthew 1:16,18-21,24
“Before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.” (Matthew 1:18-19)
Whenever we look at Saint Joseph, we soon realise that his role in the life of Jesus Christ cannot be taken for granted. To teach us that every child needs both a mother and a father, God did not allow Joseph to divorce Mary. Having been conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary could have raised Jesus all by herself, but from the beginning, it has always been God’s plan for children to have both parents raise them for proper development. Since Jesus was the greatest man ever, we must honour His earthly parents, Joseph and Mary, for doing such a perfect job. There are a lot of lessons to learn from this great man, Joseph, some of which we will now try to itemise:
1. St. Joseph Was A Just Man: The Bible describes Joseph as a just man. (Matthew 1:19). This means he was a man of integrity. He was well-respected in the community. He had a good name. He was a man of justice. He was not wayward and believed in always doing what was right. Can it be said about me that I am a just person? Do I practice selective integrity?
2. St. Joseph Did Not Take Joy in Seeing the Pain of Others: St. Joseph was unwilling to shame Mary despite learning of her pregnancy before they came together as husband and wife. When I suspect others of doing wrong, what is my immediate reaction? Do I keep things to myself or begin to gossip and announce to others?
3. St. Joseph was Obedient to God’s Instructions: We are told that when Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the Angel of the Lord had commanded him. He agreed to play the role of a foster father to the Son of God. This meant that he agreed to live as a celibate for the rest of his life for the sake of Jesus Christ. His form of celibacy would even be more demanding given that, unlike other celibates, he would have to live in the same house with Mary. Can I make a sacrifice for God?
4. St. Joseph was a Man of Faith: It takes great faith to agree to do what Joseph did for Jesus and Mary. Do you notice that God only spoke to him through dreams? It takes great faith to believe that what we see in our dreams is not simply a figment of our imagination. It takes Faith to believe that a young woman would conceive without knowing a man. Do I put a limit in my mind to what God can do? Do I believe that with God, all things are possible? Am I willing to act based on what God reveals to me daily through my study of the scriptures?
In today’s second reading, St. Paul reminds us of Abraham, a man of faith who hoped against hope that he would be the father of many nations and was not disappointed. St. Joseph, too, is a kind of Abraham; he believed the message of the Angel and agreed to be the earthly father of Jesus Christ, giving credence to the prophecy of Nathan, which we read about in today’s first reading—an offspring from the house of David whose house shall be established forever.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant that I may imbibe the virtues of Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Bible Study: 2 Samuel 7:4-5,12-14,16, Ps. 89:2-5,27,29, Romans 4:13,16-18,22, Matthew 1:16,18-21,24).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu