Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin
Mary
(II Samuel 7:4-5a.12-14a.16; Romans 4:13.16-18.22;
Matthew 1:16.18-21.24a)
The movie “Raggedy Man” tells about a disfigured war
veteran who returns home to silently watch over his estranged wife and two
sons. The man, who abandoned his family
several years before, eventually gives his life to protect it from intruders. The story is reminiscent in ways of the
gospel portrait of St. Joseph.
St. Joseph never utters a word in the two gospels where
he has active roles. Yet his
contribution to the birth and upbringing of Jesus is palpable. He gives Jesus the proper lineage of a Messiah. Equally critical, he lives righteously carrying
out the spirit of the law which, no doubt, gives example to the boy Jesus. Prompted by the heavenly messenger, he takes the
pregnant Mary into his home. Moved again
to save Jesus from the machinations of the evil Herod, he takes Mary and her
son to Egypt. It is assumed that through
these trials and beyond he never has sexual intimacy with the Virgin Mother.
In our over-heated sexually and under-achieving morally society
St. Joseph serves as model of goodness.
He reflects the truth that sex is not everything, but attending to a
relationship with Jesus is. Further, he inspires
us to discern from our experiences as well as our dreams the vocation to which God
is calling us.
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