Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24aJacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.
The Gospel of the Lord
What We Learn from Saint Joseph
Joseph and Mary were betrothed; they had already made a commitment of faithful, spousal love. When Joseph discovered that Mary was with child, he could not understand it—but he trusted her completely. He knew her purity, her fidelity; he knew her, and he believed her.
Joseph wanted to protect Mary, and so he resolved to divorce her quietly. He thought he was no longer part of God’s plan for her—she was to be the Mother of God, and he was only a carpenter. Yet, in his silence, through the angel, he discovered his mission. God was counting on him too: he was to be the guardian of Mary and of Jesus.
And he obeyed. Without fully understanding, he obeyed. He trusted God, even knowing that the task was far beyond him. How could he care for the Saviour? He renounced his own reasoning, the logic of the world, and responded with love and trust to what God asked of him.
How much we can learn from Saint Joseph: humility, trust in God, trust in our spouse, obedience, serenity and patience.
Applied to Married Life
James and Martha are expecting their first child. During a medical check-up, they are told that the baby may be born with a disability. James is left paralysed. He feels unprepared for something like this, unsure whether he will be able to be the father the child will need.
For several days, his thoughts are filled with what lies ahead: more effort, more uncertainty, a life very different from the one he had imagined. He feels that the situation is simply too much for him.
James is a man of prayer, and in silence he entrusts himself to Saint Joseph. Gradually, he begins to understand that his role is not to run away from fear, but to remain there, beside Martha. Even though he does not know how he will manage or what difficulties will come, he chooses to trust—and to support his wife.
He begins to prepare himself, to seek information, and to care for her more than ever. And he discovers that true love sometimes means accepting a mission you did not choose, trusting, and giving the best of yourself—even when you do not have all the answers.
Mother,
today we entrust ourselves to you and to your spouse, Saint Joseph. Help us to love Jesus with the same love with which you loved Him. Blessed be your Son.