Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a
Matthew’s description of the events leading up to Jesus’ birth contains fewer details than Luke’s Gospel. It does not include the splendid prayers from Luke--the Magnificat, the Benedictus and others--that have become part of the Church's liturgy. But it is as important as Luke's exquisite narrative. Matthew’s Gospel is filled with human drama and marked by pathos, anxiety, and fear. Most significantly, we hear about Joseph and come to understand why he was called a righteous man. We learn of his compassion when he planned to divorce Mary quietly, unwilling to subject her to shame, and possible stoning for being with child. We hear of his obedience when an angel appeared to him in a dream, "do not be afraid . . . it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Not one word is attributed to Joseph in scripture. He remains silent throughout. We know that he was a good man, we know that he was a real man, who accepted the role of husband and father, doing that which was necessary. But, we know this only through observing his actions rather than reading his words. We know that he was righteous through his courage and obedience in doing what God commanded without complaint or protest.
Mary’s fiat at the Annunciation--“May it be done unto me according to your word”--changed the history of the world and continues to change the history of the world. The sound of her yes still echoes throughout the universe to this very moment. It will echo for eternity and beyond eternity. Joseph’s yes was silent. His yes was as important as Mary's. Joseph's yes also continues to echo throughout the universe, but it echoes in its example rather than the sound of its words. Joseph was righteous because his obedience to God was immediate and without question.
An angel would again come to him in a dream after Jesus' birth. In his obedience, in his role as protector of his young family, Joseph would take them to Egypt for an extended exile that would last until Herod’s death. The 90-mile trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem with a pregnant wife could not have been easy. The flight to Egypt was probably even more difficult and filled with greater anxiety and complicated by the almost overpowering fear of a father whose son's life is threatened.
Pope Francis was inaugurated on 19 March, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, eight years ago. He asked the following question in his homily: "How does Joseph exercise his role as protector?" The pope then answered the question in a way that explains why Joseph must be a model for all men, men who are fathers and grandfathers in particular, as well men who are responsible for the care of others.
The Holy Father explained that Joseph exercised his role, "Discreetly, humbly and silently, but with an unfailing presence and utter fidelity, even when he finds it hard to understand." Joseph did what had to be done. He did what had to be done without question and without complaint. He did it with quiet strength that grew from his trust in God. That is why he is credited as righteous. That is why we celebrate him with such solemnity today.
St. Joseph protector of families, pray for us.
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