Obediance
Today's Gospel (Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24), tells us about Joseph, the spouse of Mary. Not much is written about St Joseph, but we know he was a righteous man, obedient to God's message and guidance. We know that an angel appeared in his dreams and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife "for it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins." Imagine the magnitude of that responsibility, but Joseph took it all in his stride, supporting Mary faithfully and devotedly.
We also know that he was with Mary during the census taking in Bethlehem and tried very hard to get a room but was told each time that all the inns were full; he was there in the manger when Jesus was born and when the shepherds and the three wise men came to pay homage to the baby. The flight into Egypt was another unexpected event for Joseph when he was told by an angel to flee, as Herod, incensed with the news of a new king being born, ordered all young boys below the age of two to be killed.
He was also there with Mary, anxious and desperate when they could not find the boy Jesus after a visit to Jerusalem, and the relief and joy they felt when after three days of frantic searching they eventually found him in the Temple talking to the elders.
We also know that Jesus grew up strong and healthy, under his love and care, learning the trade of carpentry from him.
Joseph was an exemplary husband and father. Today, we honour his Feast Day and pray that all fathers will emulate his example.
St Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker,
the upright guardian of those entrusted to
his care. May he always guard, protect and
enlighten families.
- Pope John Paul II -
We also know that he was with Mary during the census taking in Bethlehem and tried very hard to get a room but was told each time that all the inns were full; he was there in the manger when Jesus was born and when the shepherds and the three wise men came to pay homage to the baby. The flight into Egypt was another unexpected event for Joseph when he was told by an angel to flee, as Herod, incensed with the news of a new king being born, ordered all young boys below the age of two to be killed.
He was also there with Mary, anxious and desperate when they could not find the boy Jesus after a visit to Jerusalem, and the relief and joy they felt when after three days of frantic searching they eventually found him in the Temple talking to the elders.
We also know that Jesus grew up strong and healthy, under his love and care, learning the trade of carpentry from him.
Joseph was an exemplary husband and father. Today, we honour his Feast Day and pray that all fathers will emulate his example.
St Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker,
the upright guardian of those entrusted to
his care. May he always guard, protect and
enlighten families.
- Pope John Paul II -
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