Solemnity of St Joseph march 19, 2009

Thursday March 18, 2009 of the Third week in Lent
The Solemnity of St Joseph, Mary’s Husband and Jesus’ foster-father
Readings: 2Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 Psalm 89 Romans 4: 13, 16-18, 22
Matthew 1: 16, 18-21,24a
Psalm Response: The Son of David will live forever

Samuel is not usually listed with the prophets. However, he is surely called to be a spokesperson for God. Here, he records the words of the Lord, regarding David, long called “a man after His Own Heart.
As David enters the last vestiges of his reign, God tells Nathan, David’s personal prophet,
of the future of David’s line. The future King of Israel, the descendant of David, will not only be of David’s line, He will be God’s Own Son. Although the nation of Israel wasn’t to be perpetuated, His reign will be forever.

The Psalm response echoes the words of Samuel. Not only will His words become permanent in the annals of Israel’s history, His Word will dwell in person and in the hearts of man from then on.

In extolling Abraham’s Faith, Paul repeats the essence of the Torah’s words. Because Abraham believed God’s words and set out to a land unknown to him or his descendants, even though rationally, he couldn’t propagate an heir, he was content to believe God would do the impossible. There are some who equate Abraham’s obedience as the Faith which justified him. He was the first to have the Hope in the promise of God. He loved his Lord. Therefore, he was rewarded, not only as the progenitor of the Nation of Israel but, also through Ishmael, the father of many nations as God had promised.

At the end of Matthew’s genealogy, he mentions Jacob,, the father of Joseph, who was to be Jesus’ father under the law.
Joseph knew he wasn’t the cause of Mary’s pregnancy. Therefore, as sinless as he could be, regarding joining with his bride before the marriage ceremony was complete, he was correct, under normal circumstances, to give Mary a bill of divorce. It wasn’t unusual for a betrothed couple to be Chaste until their marriage was officially declared by the proper authorities.
Joseph not only loved Mary, he didn’t want to subject her to the law and possible execution for implied adultery.
Following the tradition of his namesake, Joseph, he was told, in a dream, the child conceived in Mary’s womb was of the Holy Spirit and he should not be afraid to take her into his home as his bride. Joseph complied with this holy message and became Jesus’ father in name and in fact.

When we envision our life with God, we dream of the peace and serenity accompanying our welcome into everlasting joy. But, is it a dream or a reality inexperienced?
We focus much of our time and energy on stuff we can hold in our hands. Try putting yourself in the mind and time of Joseph. His patience and humility in trying times should be an example, for us, as we ply our lives and contemplate the promises of God and be as assured as Abraham.
Don't falter! Do npt be afraid!