Matthew 1:18-25
18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lordhim Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”22All this took place to fulfill what had been s appeared to him in a dream and said, “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. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
Joseph the Righteous Man
Angel visiting Joseph in a dream
Bethlehem Milk Grotto Church
Today's Gospel reveals Saint Joseph to us, the betrothed of Mary and the adoptive father of Jesus. What can we take from this passage Matthew proposes?
A trustworthy person chosen by God to share the responsibility of bringing up the Child Jesus with Mary
A recognized legal husband to Mary
A real loving, caring and protecting father
A person that's obedient to God's messages (V. 24)
A discreet and silent servant, enduring hardships and dangers without complaint, demonstrations, or expecting anything in return; even with deep and problematic doubts, he doesn't disgrace anybody, but reacts quietly (V. 19)
This is why he is qualified as the righteous Joseph, the humble obedient one, the silent servant of God. May we spend some time learning from this righteous man. How can we emulate him in our relationships with God, our family and our neighbors? How can we serve the Church as he did in loving, serving and protecting Mary and the child Jesus?
May we walk with Joseph and Mary, going up to Bethlehem to witness the Savior's birth, "the Word who became flesh for our salvation." Join St. Joseph in admiring the Mystery of the Incarnation.
Wishing a Blessed Christmas and a Happier New Year to you!