~~~ Solemnity of Saint Joseph ~~~
~~~ 2 SM 7:4-5A, 12-14A, 16 ~~~ Psalm 82 ~~~
~~~ ROM 4:13, 16-18, 22 ~~~ MT 1:16, 18-21, 24A ~~~
Saint Joseph was not your typical male.
He did not think that he was qualified to make
all of his own decisions.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
His gut reaction was to quietly
distance himself from Mary
so as not to embarrass her or humiliate her.
For she was pregnant and unwed.
By today's standards it would not
be such a scandal
but then it was very different.
Instead he demonstrated his strength
through his humility in following the will of God.
Too often if a male exhibits humility it is
perceived as weakness.
God hand picked Joseph to be the protector of Mary and Jesus.
His divine plan was perfectly put together.
After all could you refuse God's request
if he sent an angel to you?
Saint Joseph was chosen by God
because he was instilled with
with virtues that most resembled God himself.
God did not pick a celebrity...
God did not pick someone
well known to be the father for Jesus.
God picked his faithful servant Joseph.
Joseph was not perfect but he was perfect to be chosen
by God to be the earthly father for Jesus.
Mary too gave the appropriate respect
to Joseph as the father of Jesus,
the head of their household.
“Son, why have you done this to us?
Your father and I have been looking
for you with great anxiety.”
God has chosen each one of us for his
holy purpose in life.
He has chosen you to be his own.
Maybe you already know what that purpose is,
but if not trust that you too
are called by God.
Joseph was the humble servant of God.
We honor him today for agreeing to cooperate
with God's plan for our salvation.
Blessed in our loving devotion to Saint Joseph.
Saint Joseph, pray for us
to be ready to humbly consent to God's will.
May you be a positive role model for all
fathers in our present world.
~~~Peace~~~
