Readings
I - 2 Sam. 7: 4-5, 12-14, 16
II - Rom. 4: 13, 16-18, 22
III - Mt. 1: 16, 18-21, 24
ST. JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF MARY (Solemnity)
Today the Church solemnises the feast of St. Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster father of Jesus Christ, the redeemer. St. Joseph is described in the Gospel as just and righteous person. He was gentle and upright. Never lost his patience but endured everything in silence: When he found Mother Mary to be with a child, he was disturbed but as the Gospel says he was unwilling to put her to shame and resolved to send her away quietly. After it was revealed to him in his dream that the child was God’s own Son and that the Promised one Israel, he yielded himself completely to the plan of God. He instantaneously obeyed the Lord without any inhibition either when it was told to him, “Go to Egypt” (Mt. 2: 13) with the babe or to “Go to the land of Israel” (Mt. 2:20). Even today it takes almost a day’s travel by vehicle from Israel to Egypt, imagine then the tedious travel at an animal’s back from Israel to Egypt and from Egypt to Israel! Joseph neither questioned nor grumbled but obeyed God! Nowhere in the Gospel passages can we find anywhere St. Joseph spoke a word but obliged God in taking care and providing for his Holy Family. He proved himself to be a model of husband, father and head of the family. He assisted Mother Mary, brought up Jesus with care and concern, though not his own son and cared for and supported the family with his hard work.
St. Joseph is a model for all men in his patience, gentleness, care, concern, obedience, hard work and righteousness. He is the patron saint of the Universal Church, fathers, expectant mothers, families, travelers, immigrants, craftsmen and all workers. Today as we celebrate the feat of St. Joseph, let us resolve to imitate his virtues and pray for all families especially for the immigrating families of Ukraine and other war afflicted nations. Let us also intensify our prayers for the peace in the world especially between Russia and Ukraine. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Joseph, Pray for all families especially the immigrant and the suffering families”
