GOD’S WORD

Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 & 29 1st Reading: 2 S 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 2nd Reading: Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22 Gospel: Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a (or Lk 2:41-51a) Reflection:

We begin this week with a celebration of the father of the holy family of Nazareth. And we will conclude with a celebration of the mother of the holy family.

Joseph was a pious Jew who followed the Law conscientiously. When, therefore, he discovered that Mary, his betrothed wife was already pregnant before they could even live together, he knew that the Law mandated him to divorce Mary. He could only painfully conclude that there was somebody who had a greater right to Mary than himself. But he would do so quietly for he loved Mary whom he did not want to be disgraced or even be stoned to death for the presumed sin of adultery.

An angel of God appears to Joseph in a dream, however, revealing to him to continue his marriage with Mary for the child in her womb was not of man but of the Holy Spirit. Joseph the just man obeys. He had the faith of his fathers. Like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob he believed that “nothing is impossible with God.” He obeyed!

We pray that like Joseph we may have the courage to obey God’s law even when it is difficult. Like Joseph we also pray that we may always have compassion in imposing the law.