Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Scripture:
2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16
Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22
Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Luke 2:41-51a
Reflection:
It was not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham and his descendants that he would inherit the world, but through the righteousness that comes through faith. Romans 4:13
On this Solemnity when we venerate St. Joseph, spouse of Mary and foster father of Jesus, in both the Old and New Testament readings the Church recalls the promise made to Abraham by God that he would be the father of many nations. While the reading from Second Samuel tells us how that promise was made, in his letter to the Romans, Paul tells us why. It was the faith of Abraham that was the firm foundation on which the Lord would establish a people uniquely His own. It was from these people that ultimately the Lord would send His own Son.
When the time came for Jesus to enter the world, the Lord sought another man of faith, a righteous man, to be a father. St. Joseph did not sire Jesus, but he served as a father from the line of Abraham in the flesh and more importantly as his heir in faith. We clearly see Joseph’s faith when he believes what the angel tells him, and he takes Mary into his home. What Scripture does not describe, however, are all the many other realities that required Joseph’s faith. It doesn’t tell us how he had to trust that he would have the wisdom to be a father to God’s Son. It doesn’t tell us that he had to believe that God would give him the grace to live a celibate life. It doesn’t tell us how he had to have faith that he could be worthy of such a role. There are numerous things Scripture doesn’t tell us explicitly about St. Joseph. Rather, it tells us what need to know. He was a man of faith.
There are many times when Scripture does not describe and give answers to the exact circumstances of our lives. In those moments, we have a choice. Will we become disillusioned, anxious, or resentful? Or rather, will we be like St. Joseph and his father Abraham and allow our faith to be the answer and the foundation for God’s promise in our lives?
Megan Silas is a Lay Passionist at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.