Readings: Jeremiah 23:5-8, Ps. 72:1-2,12-13,18-19, Matthew 1:18-24
“But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.’” (Matthew 1:20)
Like Joseph of the Old Testament, Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, was also a great dreamer. Just as Joseph, the Son of Jacob, welcomed his family to Egypt to save them from the famine, Joseph would have to flee at night with Mary and the baby Jesus to Egypt to save him from Herod.
Again, as in the Old Testament, Joseph was industrious and chaste in the house of Potiphar; so was Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, industrious (a carpenter). There is so much we must learn from the Josephs of the Old and New Testaments.
Joseph is considered the Father of Jesus because he agreed to marry Mary even after learning about Mary’s pregnancy. This marriage was not the usual marriage because Mary, who had previously consecrated herself to God, was now about to give birth to God.
By marrying Mary, Joseph became her guardian and the protector of the Holy Family. Nevertheless, this implies that Joseph embraced celibacy and served as a eunuch in accordance with God’s divine plan.
Some Christians argue that a man can’t be married to a woman without having carnal relations with her. Such Christians forget that with God, nothing is impossible. If God could make Elizabeth conceive in her old age and Mary conceive without knowing a man, He could also grant Joseph the grace of celibacy. To doubt this truth is to question the incarnation of Jesus.
Despite giving birth to Jesus, Mary remained a virgin throughout her life. She and Joseph had no children. Those individuals referred to as Jesus’ brothers and sisters in the Bible are not Joseph and Mary’s biological children but relatives. Just as it takes faith to believe that Mary gave birth to God, it also requires faith to accept the truth about Joseph and Mary.
Joseph’s decision to marry Mary contributed to our salvation history; for this, he deserves considerable commendation. It shouldn’t come as a surprise today that many now include Joseph’s name in the salutation: “Glory to Jesus, honour to Mary and Joseph.”
Joseph’s role in the life of Jesus demonstrates that every child needs a father who provides, protects, and trains. Today is another day to say a big thank you to our Fathers: the men who were there for us from the cradle, the men who bore the harsh heat of the sun and worked all day just to put food on our tables, the men who were our first teachers in the faith, the men who disciplined us when we went astray. Fathers are not necessarily biological. Are you a Father? What kind of Father are you?
Let us pray: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we, who are weighed down from of old by slavery beneath the yoke of sin, may be set free by the newness of the long-awaited Nativity of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (18 December, Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Jeremiah 23:5-8, Ps. 72:1-2,12-13,18-19, Matthew 1:18-24)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu