SOLEMNITY OF SAINT JOSEPH--19/03/2013

Matt 1:16. 18-20. 24
Today we celebrate the solemnity of St. Joseph. Joseph, a descendant of David, was an upright man who obeyed God’s words and took the legal paternal responsibility of Jesus Christ. Under his care, Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature. In the gospel of today, Joseph found Mary with a child before they came together as husband and wife. He was planning to send her away. However, upon deep contemplation on how to carry out this without hurting Mary, the angel of God appeared to him in dream, urging him to take Mary as his wife.

 The virtue of obedience is very significant in the life of Saint Joseph. Joseph listened to the angel of the Lord explain the virgin birth in a dream and then took Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20-24). He was obedient when he led his family to Egypt to escape Herod’s infanticide in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:13-15). Joseph obeyed the angel’s later commands to return to Israel (Matthew 2:19-20) and settle in Nazareth with Mary and Jesus (Matthew 2:22-23).

None of his words were written in the bible but his actions spoke louder than voice. He was a man of meditation. As the head of the family, he led by example. We should learn to always think before we act, rather than thinking after we must acted. When we find ourselves in the midst of confusion, we should go into a prayerful contemplation to seek the will of God concerning our situation. Definitely, God’s will shall be revealed to us.

Saint Joseph cooperated with God’s plan for the redemption of man by not sending Mary away in a culture that does not accept pregnancy outside wedlock; and by taking the paternal responsibility of Jesus.  Have you been planning to do it in your own way without first hearing from God? Have a rethink! Let us ask God for the grace to discern his plan for us in every situation, and to be docile to the promptings of his grace. ST. JOSEPH, PRAY FOR US!