Readings: 2 Sam. 7:4-5,12-14,16, Ps. 89, Rom. 4:13,16-18,22, Mt. 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)
Saint Joseph’s role in Jesus’ upbringing can never be underestimated. 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, Jesus did not have a biological father, but He needed Joseph to play the role of an earthly father. There are many lessons to learn from St. Joseph:
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?
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 married. When I suspect others of doing wrong, what is my immediate reaction?
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 marry Mary to protect her from the shame of being accused of immorality. This entails caring for her and the baby Jesus even while remaining celibate. Do I follow God’s instructions even when they require sacrifice?
4. St. Joseph was a Man of Faith: God only spoke to him through dreams, and he never doubted the messages. It takes Faith to believe that a young woman would conceive without knowing a man. 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 is a kind of Abraham; he believed the Angel’s message. Through St. Joseph’s marriage to Mary, Nathan’s prophecy in today’s First Reading came to pass. Jesus is that offspring from David’s house, whose throne is established forever. This teaches us never to doubt God. Indeed, as the Angel said to Mary, “With God, nothing is impossible.”
- In 1480, Pope Sixtus IV officially established March 19 as the feast day of St. Joseph. In 1870, Pope Pius IX declared Saint Joseph the Patron of the Universal Church, and in 1962, Pope John XXIII included his name in the Roman Canon of the Holy Mass. More recently, Pope Francis expanded the Litany of Saint Joseph by adding seven new titles: Guardian of the Redeemer, Servant of Christ, Minister of Salvation, Support in Difficulties, Patron of Exiles, Patron of the Afflicted, and Patron of the Poor.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant that we may imbibe the virtues of Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. 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. (Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Solemnity. Liturgical Colour: White. 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