The Obedient Joseph

Mt 1:18-25

Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

We can barely imagine the consternation Joseph experienced when he found his beloved betrothed with child before they had come together as man and wife.  What to do? He was ready to divorce her until the angel appeared to him in a dream with "the rest of the story". That was enough for him and the good man proceeded with the wedding, putting his trust in God. We cannot but admire Joseph for his desire to do the right thing and for his courage to embrace Mary and the life as God's instrument who had to adapt his own life more than once according to the plan of God. When we find ourselves perplexed, burdened of even angry at the circumstances of our life, let us think of Joseph and his willingness to obey God even when he didn't fully understand God's plan. He trusted and obeyed; so can we.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, through the example of St. Joseph, help me to carry out your will with trust and joy. Amen.