Vamshi Eedara csc
Readings: 2Sam 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Rom 4:13,16-18,22; Mt 4:1-11
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph the Husband of Mary. Perhaps St. Joseph does not get the importance he deserves in the Church. Mary and Jesus are the ones in the forefront of the Gospels. However, today’s feast is the celebration of a man who had a depth of faith and trust in God that most of us may never have.
In the gospel reading of today’s feast, we are told that Joseph had come to know that Mary was pregnant, even before they came together. Joseph clearly knew that he was not the father of this child. Joseph was righteous and did not want to expose Mary to public disgrace. Joseph knew the law well. He knew that, according to Deut 22; 23-29, if a virgin engaged to a man had physical union with another man, both were to be stoned to death.
In Mary’s case, humanly speaking, she was culpable. Joseph had the right to publicly expose Mary, but he chose to divorce her quietly. At this point the angel intervened and clarified
his doubt. Joseph’s righteousness exceeded that of the scribes and pharisees and he accepted Mary as his wife. Joseph had walked with God throughout his life, and he truly believed that God would guide him, even though this path was far beyond human understanding.
God had been the one who had brought Joseph to this moment and Joseph trusted God to be with him and Mary on their journey. Very few people would have trusted and accepted such a strange and wonderful situation, but both Mary and Joseph journeyed on together, always trusting in the love and strength of their God.
We all have times when we struggle when we are angry, confused, or saddened. When these times come, may we call upon Mary and Joseph and ask them to give us a share of their love, faith and trust in our God who loves us deeply. While we may not understand what God is doing in our lives, may we deeply believe that God is with us always in all our circumstances.