Saturday of the Second Week
Feast of Saint Joseph
I was struck by how little I know about St. Joseph. Most saints are known for their preaching, spiritual writings, miracles, extraordinary religious devotion, sacrificing their lives for others, or becoming martyrs for the faith. St. Joseph is not known for any of these. What we know of him is found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and today’s readings give us a choice between: 1) Matthew’s account of Joseph receiving a message from an angel in a dream and 2) Luke’s account of finding Jesus in the temple. We hear no words spoken by Joseph in either Gospel; we don’t even know when he died. But we can get to know him through what is written about him and by his actions.
Joseph is righteous, but also loving and compassionate, so he plans to divorce Mary quietly. He is prayerful and hears the message of the angel in a dream. He follows God’s will, so he takes Mary into his home, and then he protects and guides Mary and Jesus to Egypt and later to Nazareth. Joseph and Mary nurture Jesus and teach Him about their religious traditions. They anxiously search for Jesus in Jerusalem. Joseph teaches Jesus his trade of carpentry and guides Jesus as He advances “in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.” (Lk 41:52)
We might not know many details of St. Joseph’s life, but God knows. Most of us will never be famous; but if we live our lives like St. Joseph with love, compassion, prayerfulness, faith, and caring for others, God will know.
Prayer
Lord, help me to follow the example of St. Joseph and faithfully listen to Your Word and to do Your will day by day. Amen.
Brother Frank Hagerty, S.S.E.’73, Spiritual Director and Prison Minister
First Reading: 2 Samue l 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
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