Fr Gerry Reflects on St Joseph
Feast Day 19th March
Fr Gerry reflects on St Joseph as we celebrate his feast day on the 19th March.
Joseph is someone whom we know little. There are few references to him in the Gospels apart from the stories about the birth, infancy and childhood of Jesus (see Mt 13:55 and the parallels in Mark and Luke) He is vey much a secondary or background figure in the Gospel story.
Matthew presents Joseph as having no part in Mary’s pregnancy. When Jospeh discovered that Mary was pregnant, he wondered how this could be as they had not been living together as husband and wife. Initially he was confused, and he did not know what to do. However, he did not act rashly. He listened to god’s word through the angel’s message in a dream and, although it demanded much faith, he did what God asked him. He allowed his life to be influenced and directed by God’s will.
Thus two aspects of Joseph’s character are revealed to us. First, Joseph was obviously a man of deep faith. He trusted God and discerning God’s will, took a great leap of faith into the unknown in a difficult and confusing situation. God moved him in strange ways and he was responsive to this. Secondly, Joseph was selfless. He did not alienate Mary, but, instead, accepted her and remained loyal. His selflessness enabled him to act without fear of ridicule and scorn. Doing God’s will was all important for Joseph
We can learn from these two aspects of Joseph’s character. For example, how do we respond to God who often communicates with us in strange ways? Are we able to make the leap of faith when we are unsure about the future. Can we acknowledge and embrace those people and life situations which least suit us? Lent is about cultivating our ability to focus beyond our own concerns and respond to the needs of other people so Christ can come into our lives through them.
Joseph, in the portrait painted of him in Matthew’s Gospel, prepared for the birth of Jesus with gentleness and fullness. He cherished and supported Mary and, together brought Christ into the world. Joseph’s discernment of God’s will empowered his confidence. We are challenged to imitate Joseph’s example as we live and work with other people.
