Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
I recently heard a podcast about how important it is for parents and grandparents to pass along their faith through words and actions. All of the readings today, highlight people who believed in God and God’s promises, and lived out their faith in a way so that future generations saw these promises come to fulfillment. Each of us today, no matter what station we are in our lives, is called to do the same.
All three readings today highlight an individual that believes in the promises of God. David is told by Nathan that God will “raise up an heir” and God will be a “father to him”. Abraham believes in God’s promises that he will be the father of many nations despite all of the challenges that he faced. Joseph believes in God’s word spoken to him through the angel of the Lord, and Joseph’s faith in God’s words allows him to take Mary as his wife and be a human foster father to Jesus. David, Abraham and Joseph all believe in God’s promises, and they use their faith to direct their words and deeds. They are righteous people (in right relationship with God and others), but it is their faith in God that is the foundation for their living. The strength of their faith, in the midst of formidable circumstances, continues to be a source of inspiration for future generations. Their lives encourage others to believe.
These great Biblical forefathers provide an example for us to imitate. God continues to promise us that God’s love, mercy and peace will reign in the Kingdom of God. In the midst of our current world filled with hatred, war, and greed, it is hard to believe that we are moving towards this place. Like David, Abraham and Joseph, we are called to faithfully live out our belief that God will do what has been promised.
Our faith can guide our words and actions. As a grandparent, I realize that attending Mass with my four young grandchildren may be challenging at times, but my presence speaks for my belief that being here in community celebrating God and God’s love is one way that I can share my faith with them. Letting our faith direct our actions towards serving others, particularly those in greatest need, is another way we can impact those around us and pass along our beliefs. Although it may not seem like we are moving towards a place where God’s love reigns, we need to be like Abraham and believe “hoping against hope” that these things will come to pass.
St. Joseph provides an excellent example of what it means to step out in faith. Through his quiet and behind the scenes daily acts of faith, he provides a home for Jesus “who will save his people.” Joseph was human, so I suspect he had doubts about whether all that had been promised will come to pass. And yet his faith provides the strength needed to carry on. Because of his belief, his love for Mary and Jesus provides a place where Jesus could be fully human. Even if he had questions, Joseph lives out his faith, and he is instrumental in helping bring forth God’s Kingdom through his role as Jesus’ foster father. We may not be raising the Son of God in our midst; however, Joseph reminds us that living lives of faith can provide the opportunity for future generations to recognize God’s love in our daily words and actions. As parents, grandparents, and people of God, we can share the importance of faith as we continue building the Kingdom of God both now and for generations to come.
Since today is the Solemnity of St. Joseph, spend some time reflecting on the life of St. Joseph and the many other saints and individuals who have gone before us living out their faith. May we join the communion of saints as we pray for the wisdom and courage to continue to believe in God’s promises. May the grace of the Spirit allow us to live lives of love, mercy, and peace, so that people now and in the future may come to believe that the Kingdom of God is among us.
—Marylynn Herchline