2 Sm 7:4-5, 12-14, 16 / Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22 / Matthew 1:16,18-21, 24
In most of our churches, from the most austere to the most elaborate, three major icons dominate. The first, of course, being Our Lord crucified, the second, His and our Blessed Mother, and the Last, but certainly not least, is the image of St. Joseph, the most chaste spouse and foster father to Jesus.
Why is this so? What is it about this man, this poor carpenter which so completes our image of the Holy Family.
Matthew's gospel describes Joseph as a "just man." In his time, it was a great honor to be considered just. This was a virtue of high regard. We need look no further than his example of what true justice means.
When he was told that his betrothed carried a baby conceived by the Holy Spirit, he accepted. Despite dangers and the customs of the time, he held with faith the goodness of God's promise.
When he was told to leave his home, his job and his life and travel to a foreign place, he consented. He trusted in the Lord's Providence.
When he was told to raise a child that was not his own and to one day give him back to God, he obeyed. His faith and trust in the Father could not be broken.
Like Joseph, we are faced with decisions that bring us fear and worry. How do we respond? Are we people of acceptance, consent and obedience to the requests of God? Do we possess the great virtue of justice, the virtue that in times of tremendous uncertainty provides hope and peace? Or do we succumb to our anxieties and respond in judgment, doubt, and disrespect?
On this Solemnity of St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, let us pray that like him, we can all trust in God's plan and become people of justice, especially in these uncertain times.