Feast of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary.
Dear Sisters and Brother, Peace and Love of Christ be with you! Happy Feast of St Joseph!!!
Celebrating St. Joseph
today holds profound significance for Christians, and in a special way, for
families. One of the crises crippling our society today is the crisis of
fatherhood. Many children grow up without strong, loving, and responsible
father figures, leading to deep wounds in the fabric of family life.
In St. Joseph, we find a
model of fatherhood rooted not in words but in action. He never speaks a single
word in Scripture, yet his life speaks volumes to all believers. His silent
presence, strong faith, and obedience to God’s will make him an inspiring
figure for every man called to fatherhood, leadership, and responsibility.
The Man Chosen by God
In today’s Gospel, we
enter into the heart of his journey, a journey that expresses the struggles and
triumphs of anyone seeking to do God’s will. The Gospel tells us about Joseph’s
pivotal role in the mystery of salvation. He is introduced simply as “the
husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Christ” (v.16). This
one line establishes his extraordinary place in God’s plan, not by blood, but
by divine providence. The passage then recounts his inner turmoil upon
discovering Mary’s pregnancy and the angel’s message that would forever change
his life.
A Crisis of Faith:
Joseph’s Dilemma
Joseph was a just man,
faithful to the law, and deeply in love with Mary. Imagine his anguish upon
discovering that she was with child, and he was not the father. His heart must
have been torn between love and duty. He wanted to do what was right before God
and before Mary. His first instinct was to protect her dignity, he resolved to
divorce her quietly, avoiding public shame.
Here we see the heart of
a righteous man: he does not act rashly, nor does he seek vengeance. Even in
his confusion, he chooses mercy over condemnation. Here comes the first message
for us. We are sometimes faced with situations that shake our faith, leaving us
unsure of what to do. Like Joseph, we may wrestle with difficult choices. His
example teaches us that righteousness is not just about following laws but
about acting with love and discernment.
Divine Intervention: The
Angel’s Message
In Joseph’s moment of
crisis, God speaks. “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as
your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (v.20). God
does not leave His faithful ones in darkness, He intervenes, bringing clarity
and reassurance.
The angel’s words echo
what God has spoken throughout history: Do not be afraid. These words,
repeated so often in Scripture, remind us that God’s plans, though mysterious,
are always for our good. Joseph is called not only to believe but to act in
faith, to welcome Mary and her unborn Child as his own.
What a challenge! It
takes courage to abandon our plans and embrace God’s will, especially when it
defies logic. Joseph does not question or resist. He does not demand further
proof. Instead, he trusts. He wakes up and does exactly as the angel commands (v.24).
Obedience in Action: The
Silent Yes of Joseph
This moment defines
Joseph’s greatness: his obedience is immediate and complete. Without
hesitation, he takes Mary into his home and accepts Jesus as his son. Unlike
Zechariah, who doubted the angel’s message, or even Mary, who asked for
clarification, Joseph responds with silent, active faith.
His obedience is not
passive, it is courageous. It means embracing uncertainty, facing social
judgment, and taking on the responsibility of raising the Son of God. Joseph
steps into a role beyond his understanding, not knowing the full path ahead but
trusting that God will lead him.
We too sometimes find
ourselves hesitating in obeying God because we fear the unknown. Joseph reminds
us that obedience is not about having all the answers, it is about trusting the
One who calls us.
Joseph’s Legacy: A
Father’s Heart
Through Joseph’s
obedience, Jesus grows up in a home filled with love and faith. He teaches
Jesus what it means to work, to pray, and to serve. He provides stability and
protection. Though Joseph disappears from the Gospel narrative as Jesus begins
His public ministry, his influence remains.
His silent witness
speaks volumes to us today. He reminds fathers and husbands of their sacred
duty to their families, to be protectors, providers, and guides in faith. He
challenges all believers to trust God even when the road is unclear. Above all,
he shows that true greatness lies not in words but in faithful action.
Learning from St. Joseph
On this feast of St.
Joseph, we are invited to imitate his faith, his obedience, and his trust in
God’s plan. His life reminds us that even when circumstances seem confusing or
difficult, God is at work. He calls us, as He called Joseph, to step forward in
faith, to embrace our mission, and to trust that His plans, though mysterious,
are always for our good.
Let us pray for the
grace to follow St. Joseph’s example, responding to God’s call with a willing
heart and unwavering faith. Like him, may we learn to say our own silent but
powerful yes to God, trusting that He will lead us in ways beyond our
imagination.
St. Joseph, Husband of Mary and Guardian of the Redeemer,
pray for us!🙏🙏🙏
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