Monday of the Fourth Week
Feast of Saint Joseph

Reflection

My daughters gleefully recall a weekend when my wife went out of town. To survive, as second favorite parent out of two, I declared it a “yes” weekend. I say “no” so often, I told them that if they asked to do something, I would say “yes.”  The standard way of doing things was put aside. What could have been disastrous became delightful.

Today’s readings hold the entire story of our faith. It’s the story of seemingly average people who listened, and thus they became very important. They all said “yes.” The Lord whispers to Nathan to tell David of his descendant’s kingdom; David’s poem expresses his joy at this news; Paul celebrates the promises to Abraham; and, finally, a carpenter listens to the voice of an angel. The God of kindness will bring forth life; we just need to say “yes.”

On the feast of St. Joseph, we celebrate the most seemingly normal guy of them all. God chose to let His own earthly existence depend on a man who felt confused after his heart was crushed. That I can relate to. How quick I am when hurt to want revenge in the form of “justice.”  How hard it is to say “yes” to a dream.

Although we might wish to hear more about Joseph, I imagine he’s content to take his place among the saints knowing that his life was a divine “yes!” pointing to something very, very important. The message — from these pillars of faith who today might be pushed to become reality TV show stars — is that it’s not about me and my perspective. It’s about saying “yes!” to a faith that I might not always understand.

Prayer

God of kindness, You are my Father, my God, my Rock, my Savior. Help me to hear Your voice and trust in You.  

TJ Bird Matarazzo, ‘98, Member of the Worshipping Community

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