ST JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF MARY (Solemnity)

First Reading: 2Sam 7:4-5a. 12-14a. 16; Psalm: 89. R. v.37a; Second Reading: Rom 4:13. 16-18. 22; Gospel: Mt 1:16. 18-21. 24a

THE GUARDIAN OF THE HOLY FAMILY

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

If there were men who contributed so much in the history of salvation but very little were said of them, Joseph should be at the forefront. Joseph did so much, endured so much, and gave up so much for the sake of the world’s salvation. The key moments in Joseph’s life were conveyed in his dream. And this became a turning point in his life as he took on a new role accepting God’s will for him.

Joseph was about to take Mary as wife when he found her with child. Being a just man, he decided he was going to send Mary away quietly. But an angel appeared to him in a dream and asked him to take Mary as wife (Mt 1:20). Joseph forfeited his initial plan and became a guardian to the Holy Family. When Herod threatened to kill the child Christ, an angel also spoke to Joseph in a dream to take the child and the mother and flee to Egypt (Mt 2:13). An angel will also instruct Joseph in a dream to return to Israel and finally to Galilee to protect the child Christ from harm (Mt 2:20; 22).

From the story of Joseph we saw a man who believed that in all things, God’s willing should prevail. We also saw a man who took on the role of being a guardian to the Holy Family and doing all he could to protect them from harm. One of the roles Joseph also played in service to the Holy Family was his industriousness in providing for them. Joseph surrendered his plans and gave his all in doing what God called him to do. The life of Joseph is a perfect example of what it means to do the will of God. We can learn from this righteous man to show dedication and commitment to whatever vocation God has called us to embrace.  

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Jesus Lord, we pray for the grace to live according to the example of St Joseph. Amen.