Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(2 Samuel 7:4-5a.12-14a.16; Romans 4:13.16-18.22; Matthew
1:16.18-21.24a)
The status of men has decreased in the last generation. Two or three generations ago, popular
television shows like “Father Knows Best” and “All My Sons” portrayed men as
loving, wise, and faithful. Today men are
often considered chauvinistic and irresponsible. For this reason church men and women have
looked to St. Joseph as a model and an intercessor.
As a model, Joseph displays righteousness and tenderness in
his relations to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Rather than expose her to shame when made aware of her pregnancy, he
decides to divorce her quietly. Then,
made aware of the circumstances, he generously provides her and her child with
a home. As an intercessor, Joseph has
been seen as a person of preeminent sanctity, someone to be counted on for
assistance.
As an anomaly during Lent, today’s feast of St. Joseph is
celebrated as if it were a Sunday. The
Church bids us to pray to, toast, and relax with this wonderful man. On the Sabbath, Joseph rejoiced in the Lord. May we do the same today!
