Monday, The Feast of St. Joseph
(Matthew 1)
There is a fascinating painting of the Holy Family in Egypt. It shows Mary holding Jesus in her arms. The mother and child are sitting between the lion-like paws of a giant sphinx. Meanwhile, Joseph lies a fair distance away protecting access to the sacred pair. The painting indicates Joseph’s relationship of responsibility and reverence for his virgin wife and her son.
St. Matthew calls Joseph “a righteous man” in the gospel today. This means that he conforms himself to the will of God. He does not insist on his will over God’s will but tries to carry out the Lord’s directives. As a man, no doubt he desires to have relations with his young wife, but this would be contrary to God’s plan. Mary is going to give birth to the Son of God, and Joseph must not violate this sacred event.
We also strive to do the will of God. If we are not married or if our spouses are disabled, God’s will is that we like Joseph do not have sexual relations. We carry out God’s will everyday when we tell the truth, avoid gossip, and do not take the Lord’s name in vain. In these ways we too can be called like Joseph “righteous” men and women.
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