Reflection
Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
It is interesting that the Church titles this Solemnity of St. Joseph by his spousal relationship to Mary, yet the readings seem to refer more to the concept of fatherhood. We hear of the hopes of Abraham and David, and the promises God made to them that they would be patriarchs to a line that endures forever.
The Lord also promises to David that He Himself will be a father to David’s descendants. The genealogy of Jesus at the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew tells us that Joseph, whom we venerate today, is indeed of the line of David. Matthew writes of him, “…Joseph the husband of Mary of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.” (Matthew 1:16) It is here where we see the spousal relationship of Joseph and Mary presented as the lens through which we understand Joseph’s role in God’s plan.
The Lord fulfills His promise of fatherhood to Abraham and David through the marriage of their descendant, Joseph, to Mary, the mother of Jesus who is God’s own Son. God brings to fruition the old covenant through the covenant of matrimony. In a similar way, Jesus will bring to fruition the new covenant through His marriage to the Church which is consummated on the Cross.
Let us learn through the example of St. Joseph. We are called into relationship with God as His descendants and through marriage. This only happens in Christ Jesus through Mary.
