Solemnity of Saint Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
As Christians we believe in the Trinity- Father, Son and Spirit. In all three readings today we hear the term “father” and we are given some insights into what God the Father is revealing about Himself to us through the words of scripture. Our Father is not only creator, but He is committed and is active in both our present world and the future as well. He calls each of us to trust in His love, compassion, and mercy as He paves a path that will allow us the greatest opportunity to bring forth His kingdom through our lives.
In the first reading, Nathan tells David that David’s heir will be a son to God, and God will be His Father. It is through this person (Jesus) that God’s Kingdom- His house- will endure forever. The second reading from Romans describes how Abraham becomes the “father of all nations” because of his trust in God. He believes in God the Father’s protection and promises. He steps forward in faith despite the challenges that he faces including his move to a new home and bearing a son in his advanced age.
Joseph in the gospel reading is instructed by an angel to welcome Mary into his home, since she is with child through the Holy Spirit. God is calling Joseph to be the human father of the “Son of God.” I can only imagine what was going through Joseph’s mind when he awoke from that dream! Despite the incredible news that Joseph receives, he is still able to “yes” to God trusting that the Father would protect and provide for all that he needs.
All three of these readings reveal that these holy men are aware that God is creator and source of all goodness. Because they have seen His mercy and love in the past, each of them has come to understand that not only is God with them now, but He loves them so much He wants to provide for them the fullness of blessings in the future. David’s heir would be “Son of God”, Abraham will be “father of all nations”, and Joseph will be father to Jesus (the Christ or messiah.) God’s plan for each of these men was far beyond what their wildest dreams could imagine. God invites them to join with Him in establishing a long term relationship- His Kingdom- with all nations. David, Abraham and Joseph each had to respond with great faith and trust in God the Father and His plan for them. It is because of their great faith that the Father is able to continue to reveal His love to future generations.
What does this mean for us as we reflect on who God the Father is in our lives? I believe these scripture stories describe God’s involvement with humanity since the beginning of time. God created all things, and He remains intimately involved in His creation. The Father loves us into being, and continues to love us in the present. He also calls us forth to a future that allows for us the opportunity to be a part of establishing His Kingdom here on earth. The Father shares His Son Jesus with us, so we can learn of His love and know how to live. The Father also shares His Spirit with us, so we have the grace to live as He desires. Like Abraham, David, and Joseph we must have listening hearts and great faith to respond to God’s plan for our future.
How often do we stop and consider that God has an incredible plan for us? Maybe we would be equally surprised like these holy men if we were able to stop and hear the future plans that the Father is inviting us to experience. If we reflect on today’s readings, we can see that God does incredible things when simple individuals step forward in faith knowing that God’s plans are good- and even better than we can possibly imagine.
Today on the feast of St. Joseph, let us reflect on his life and how Joseph was able to respond fully to God’s plan for Him. Through his example, let us live like St. Joseph by trusting in Father’s love, relying on His protection, and accepting His work of building His Kingdom here on earth.
Loving Father- from the beginning you created all because of love. You send us Jesus as the most perfect expression of that love. With the grace of Your Spirit, allow us to hear Your invitation to be a part of your Kingdom by following Your plan for our lives. May we step forth in faith believing that Your incredible plan for us is beyond our wildest imagination because you know us better than we know ourselves and Your love for us is boundless. May our lives of faith bring you glory and reveal our love for you. We pray this through Christ our LORD. Amen.
- Marylynn Herchline