Saturday of the Fifth Week

Feast of Saint Joseph
 Reflection
Today, we are given three examples of “father”: St. Joseph, Abraham, and God Himself. God comes first, declaring He will take the child of David as His son, and establish His throne securely forever.

In his Epistle to the Romans, St. Paul writes about Abraham being justified and becoming a father, not just of the Jews but of many nations. This gift of a miracle lovingly done for him and Sarah rested, St. Paul emphasizes, not on observance of the Mosaic Law which did not yet exist, but on Abraham’s faith in God’s word. Abraham gripped this word with his whole heart believing that with God all things are possible, including the triumph of life over old age and decay.

The stage is now set Scripturally for Matthew’s account of Joseph where again love, trust, and faithfulness are revealed as central to God’s ongoing plan for us.  Matthew recounts what we can imagine Joseph’s shock, and certainly heartbreak, on learning that Mary is pregnant. Because of his love, Joseph seeks to spare Mary embarrassment and plans on ending their engagement privately. Happily, an angel gives Joseph the dramatic news about the special child Mary is carrying, allowing Joseph to follow his heart and take Mary to be his wife.

The world seems to work overtime suggesting love and faithfulness are sentimental illusions. Sadly, many find trusting in love so very difficult. The world needs more witnesses like Abraham and Joseph, witnesses we are called to become, who can offer encouragement by living lives animated by Love, a love made possible by trusting in God, regardless of what the world puts in front of us. 

Prayer
Lord, please grant us the grace to believe in Your love for us in all seasons and all stages of our life’s journey home, where You dwell in communion with all Your saints.

Peter Tumulty, Professor of Philosophy, and Eleanor Tumulty

 

 

Scripture
First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16
Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29
Second Reading: Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22
Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Luke 2:41-51a

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website