SAINT JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF MARY

FRIENDS and SERVANTS of the WORD

19 March 2024   SOLEMNITY OF SAINT JOSEPH

WORD of the DAY 
Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. (Matthew 1: 16, 18-21,24)                                             

How shall I live this Word?   

The love between Mary and Joseph is sure, although it must be understood between the lines. They are “betrothed”, rather than engaged in the culture of Israel. They could live in marriage for a year, without cohabiting. Dare we imagine Joseph’s sleepless night learning of Mary’s pregnancy? What did he think of her? How much suffering and pain in his heart; was he wrong to esteem this girl of Nazareth? The law demanded that Mary be denounced and – consequently – sentenced to stoning. Joseph loves her, wants to save her, finds a ruse; he will repudiate her, saving her life and honor. Matthew describes this attitude as that of one who is “just”, that is, irreproachable, authentic, honest, high-profile. He does not judge according to appearances, even if he was wounded, he knows how to overcome his pride and use mercy towards the woman he loves. During the night there is the dream, the invitation to trust, to give an improbable key of reading to events that are equivalent to embracing the uniqueness of God. Joseph wakes up, obeys the angel, and lives “the madness” of God.

Joseph, faithful and patient spouse of Mary, guardian of the childhood of Master Jesus, stands before us, Lord, as an example of faith and righteousness. Help us to imitate his depth.

The voice of  Tolstoy    Author 

Love. What is love? Love is an obstacle to death. Love is life. I only understand what I love.  Everything is, everything exists only because I love.  Everything is held in life by love.  Love is God, and death means returning to the eternal and universal source.                                                                            ___________________________________________________________________________