Friday of the Third
Week of Advent
(Jeremiah 23:5-8;
Matthew 1:18-25)
Last week Pope Francis
surprised many in the Church. Apparently
out of the blue he initiated a Jubilee Year in honor of St. Joseph. The pope’s devotion to St. Joseph was first signaled
when his name was added to the Eucharistic prayers. But the Jubilee Year status of St. Joseph indicates
more than a pope’s piety. It underlines
the role of the common person in the Church.
Today’s gospel presents Joseph as an ordinary man steeped in holiness.
The passage recounts
how Joseph received an “annunciation” message.
He was betrothed to Mary when he was informed that she was with
child. He demonstrated sanctity by not
exposing her to the law. It is
speculated that by not informing authorities of Mary’s state, Joseph forfeited
the dowry given to Mary. In any case,
out of kindness, he wanted to spare Mary the embarrassment of an
investigation. The angel’s intervention
called Joseph to an even greater sacrifice.
He accepted Mary into his home with her child, the Son of God.
The Jubilee Year is
replete with indulgences for those who complete one of several acts of
piety. Francis wants people who have not
been able to leave home to benefit in it.
All of us can grow spiritually by praying to St. Joseph this year. Like him, most of us are common people called
to make sacrifices. We may have a family
to raise, or school children to teach, or elderly parents to take care of. A powerful intercessor as well, St. Joseph
will win for us all the help we need.
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