GOSPEL
From the Gospel according to Matthew
Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.

The Word of the Lord

Trust in yourself.

Today we celebrate the solemnity of Saint Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At the moment, it is surprising that this solemnity focuses on Joseph as a spouse. Today we especially consider the faith of this wonderful example of a husband and father, whose merits are very simple yet difficult. Simple because through faith he received the grace that allowed him to act holy in very tough situations. How important faith is to receive grace and be a good spouse.

Applied to married life:

Marcos: Prayer is so important to me. When I pray, I rest in God, in His providence. But it’s not enough to just be with Him in isolation. I only perceive that rest when I do it daily and almost constantly keep my gaze on God’s will. My day becomes ordered, my priorities, my decisions… everything falls into place. God already has it all arranged.

María: Yes, you’re right. It’s like we disarrange the pieces that God gives us to build His kingdom, and in prayer and before Him, they are reordered. It also helps me a lot that you are a man of prayer because it gives me confidence in you and your judgments.

Marcos: Thank you for your trust. Honestly, I wouldn’t trust myself if it weren’t for being close to the Lord at all times.

Mother,

May we learn to be spouses like Saint Joseph. God has mapped out the greatest path for each of us; it’s just a matter of listening to Him and following Him. Praise be to God, who loves us so much.