St. Joseph- Luke 2:41-52

 On some calendars, March 19 is the feast of St. Joseph. Two Gospel passages are associated with this day: Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:41-52. Both highlight the often-neglected role of St. Joseph in the Incarnation. Of course, Jesus Himself is the focus of the Gospels, and the Virgin Mary is highly favored. Yet, Joseph must not be forgotten. He is a great example of a godly and honorable man. 

As Matthew 1 shows, in his initial response to Mary's unique pregnancy, Joseph is a merciful traditionalist. He wants to follow the rules in a kind way. But Joseph is also open to change for good reason. He hears and heeds the divine call, and in response to God's message, he accepts his vocation with courage and commitment. He is supportive of Mary. He cares for the blessed spouse and for the holy child entrusted to his care.  As Luke 2 indicates, after the birth of Jesus, Joseph leads the family into Egyptian exile during Herod's lifetime. Later, he is involved in the religious life of the holy family as shown in the pilgrimage at Passover when Jesus is twelve. Joseph probably also oversees young Jesus' basic education in the Scriptures and probably passes on his practical carpentry skills.

In these and many unknown ways, Joseph fulfilled his sacred vocation as a human father. For those who are human fathers, Joseph is a great example in that role. For all Christians, he is an example of love, religious duty, and self-sacrifice. May his example encourage us all in our devotion to and service to Christ!

First Sunday after Christmas- Matthew 1:18-25- St. Joseph

 The Gospel for the Sunday after Christmas is Matthew 1:18-25. This Scripture highlights the often neglected role of St. Joseph in the Incarnation. Of course, Jesus Himself is the focus and the Virgin Mary is the highly favored one. Yet, Joseph must not be forgotten. He is a great example of a godly and honorable man. 

In his initial response to the unique pregnancy of Mary, Joseph is a merciful traditionalist. He wants to follow the rules as kindly as possible. But Joseph is also open to change for a good purpose. He hears and heeds the divine call, and in response to God's message, he accepts his vocation with courage and commitment. He is supportive of Mary. He cares for the blessed spouse and for the holy child entrusted to his care.  After the visit of the Wise Men, he leads Mary and Jesus into exile for safety from Herod's cruel slaughter of the Innocents, and later he returns the family to a settled life in Nazareth. Joseph is involved in the religious life of the holy family, as shown in the pilgrimage at Passover when Jesus was twelve. Joseph probably also oversaw young Jesus' basic education in the Scriptures and seems to have passed on his practical carpentry or cabinet-making skills.

In these and many unknown ways, Joseph fulfilled his sacred vocation as a human father. For all those who are human fathers, grandfathers, uncles, or mentors, Joseph is a great example of true manliness. For all Christians, he is an example of love, religious duty, and self-sacrifice. May his example encourage us all in our devotion to and service to Christ!