Monday of the Fourth Week
Solemnity of Saint Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“’For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus’” -- the angel’s words to Joseph, from the choice of Matthew as the gospel reading. And from the choice of Luke’s -- “He went down with them [Joseph and Mary] and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them.”
For both Matthew and Luke, angelic messengers affirm the virginal conception of Mary’s child. And for both also, Joseph is to be known as Jesus’ father. Jesus “son of Joseph,” Jesus “son of the carpenter.” He grows up so called. For Joseph, in naming him, claimed him in law, and by that law claimed for Jesus Joseph’s own descent from David the King. So “Jesus, son of David,” also.
There is something very Lenten in all of this: the mystery and glory and ages-long preparation of the Incarnation clothed in the humility and everydayness of life in an obscure village and an artisan’s cottage/workshop. Jesus would pass 90% of his life there. The humility of this, and it’s wonder, should absolutely astound us!
Prayer
Gracious God, Jesus’ Father who shared that fatherhood with Joseph carpenter of Nazareth: grant us, through his patronage, a share in his faith and humility. Amen.
Fr. Richard Berube, SSE
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
