Solemnity of Saint Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today we celebrate the feast day of St. Joseph. There are so many things about the life of St. Joseph that are inspiring. As the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus, he plays a critical role in the upbringing of Jesus. But what I find most amazing is the way that he lives out his role in salvation history with quiet, simple steadfast faith in God and complete obedience to God’s will for his life.
The readings today tell the story of the lives of men whose faith in God allowed God’s saving action to come to fulfillment. These men were righteous because of their trust in God, and God uses them to draw people back into relationship with Him. In the first reading, David learns that he will not build God a house, but God promises David that his offspring will provide God a home. “I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. It is he who shall build a house for my name. (2 Sam 7:12-13) This pledge to David sets in motion God’s saving action that will be completed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. David’s faithfulness to God and his desire to serve God alone allows God to establish this covenant with David. The trust and reliance on God that David practices in his life is mirrored in the same faithfulness of his future ancestor, Joseph. In the gospel reading, the angel addresses Joseph as “son of David” when announcing Joseph’s role in God’s plan. The promise to David is able to be carried out through Joseph’s acceptance of his role as the human father of Jesus.
In the second reading, St. Paul explains that Abraham’s faithfulness to God is the basis upon which God establishes His covenant. “It was not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham and his descendants that he would inherit the world, but through the righteousness that comes from faith.” (Rom 4; 13) Abraham “believed, hoping against hope, that he would become the father of many nations” (Rom4:18) even though everything in his human experience would suggest that this was not possible. It is to those descendants of Abraham who practice the same steadfast faith that this promise is given. Once again Joseph’s complete obedience to God’s command reflects the same faithfulness that Abraham has shown. It is the righteousness of Abraham and Joseph that allow God’s promises to be brought to fruition.
The Gospel reading from Matthew tells the story of Joseph’s complete trust in God’s design. When Joseph finds Mary is with child, he plans to quietly divorce her because he is a “righteous man.” The angel of the Lord announces that “it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived.” (Matthew 1:20) and he is to “take Mary as your wife into your home.” Joseph doesn’t ask questions, but he “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” (Matthew 1:24) There is no fanfare, no doubt, no resignation, but Joseph demonstrates a simple willingness to allow God to work through him.
As I reflect on Joseph’s role in bringing about God’s kingdom, I am struck by how crucial a role he plays, and yet how much of what he does is behind the scenes. I am sure that many of us have been involved in large projects with other people, where we have placed much effort into the final product, but receive little recognition for our efforts. I look at the life of St. Joseph and find great encouragement. In his simple almost hidden steadfast faith, St. Joseph becomes an integral part of God’s magnificent design for sharing His love with us through His Son, Jesus. Like an easel hidden behind the glorious painting of God’s love and salvation, St. Joseph’s “yes” to God provides the support to help God’s glory to be seen by all.
Today let us pray that through the intercession of St. Joseph we may live lives of total obedience to God. May we recognize that our “yes” to God in decisions that may seem difficult can be instrumental in bringing forth God’s kingdom. But let us pray that we may never do things for our own recognition, but to do all things for God’s glory.
- Marylynn Herchline