Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The roles of husband and father are not easy ones. Not that I have personal experience, but living side by side with my husband, the father of our children, and sharing similar roles as spouse and parent I know that while many blessings are shared, there are trials and challenges as well. Today the church celebrates and remembers St. Joseph, especially as husband of Mary, Jesus’ mother. The same St. Joseph, but as Worker, is celebrated on May 1. So, today we focus on Joseph’s role as spouse, and subsequently also foster-father to Jesus.
Primarily what we know about St. Joseph comes from the Scriptures, and for today’s readings we are given an option of gospel readings from Matthew or Luke. I would like to touch on both gospel readings given that they provide us with different insights into Joseph and his role as spouse and foster-father.
The gospel from Matthew (1: 16, 18-21, 24a) refers to Joseph learning of Mary’s pregnancy before they were living together. Knowing that the child Mary was carrying was not his, Joseph was planning to divorce her as was the law, but intended to do so compassionately and quietly for Mary’s sake to protect her from shame and the possibility of being stoned to death if accused of adultery. An angel of the Lord in a dream instructed him to not be afraid to take Mary into his home for the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph did just that. With apparent strong faith and trust in God, Joseph listened to the angel and received pregnant Mary to whom he was betrothed into his home (quite possibly amidst gossip about the situation.) The gospel writer tells us that Joseph was “a righteous man.”
The second gospel option comes from Luke (2: 41-51a) and tells of Mary and Joseph’s anxious search for 12-year-old Jesus. He had remained behind in Jerusalem without his parents’ knowledge when they had begun their journey back home with a caravan of relatives and acquaintances. They searched for three days before finding Jesus in the temple. Imagine the anxiety and fear that must have been in their hearts as they searched for their son among the crowds of people! And when asked why he had done this to them, Jesus’ reply, which I could imagine as a parent sounding like he just “didn’t get it”, was “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” What parent of a 12-year-old and older hasn’t heard the message “what’s the big deal? Why are you so upset?” Or “You just don’t understand!” And the gospel tells us that, indeed, “they did not understand what he said to them.” But he went back with them (to their relief, I imagine) and was obedient.
Joseph worried about Jesus, cared for him, and loved him as if he were his own son. Likewise, he loved and cared about Mary and her well-being. He demonstrated tremendous faith, trust and an obedient, open heart ready to hear the angel’s message of instruction and guidance. Recall that God sent an angel again later to warn Joseph that Jesus’ life was in danger and they were to flee to Egypt rather than return the way they came, and Joseph listened.
Let us pray today to be as loving, compassionate, righteous and obedient listeners to God as was Joseph, especially being mindful of our relationships with spouse, children, parents and the poor and vulnerable in our communities. Let us pray also for all husbands, fathers and foster-fathers that they, with guidance from the Holy Spirit, strive to live faithful lives in these important relationships.
Eileen Miller