Man of obedience

Readings for Thursday March 19, 2009

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

First Reading:  2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 89

Second Reading:  Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22

Gospel:  Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.  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, because he will save his people from their sins."
When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.  (Matt 1:20-21, 24)

I have often felt a special connection and admiration to Saint Joseph.  We often hear stories now days of men who are quick to abandon their families or to seek out their own pursuits.  It always brings joy to hear of this man who accepts the responsibility of a child who is not even his, but is willing to love and care for this special mother and child.  I have especially come to connect even more with Saint Joseph this past year as I find myself as a husband and an expectant father.  While not of the same magnitude, I find myself having thoughts that Saint Joseph must of had; very humbled and finding it hard to believe that God would bless me with a wife and child to love and care for.  

While Saint Joseph was described as a righteous man in the bible, there was one thing that I was always in admiration of.  It wasn't his long winded speeches, in fact there is not a single word by Saint Joseph in the bible.  It was not his ability as a carpenter or provider of his family.  It wasn't his status or his famous ancestor David (although that would be really cool to say that King David was an ancestor).  What really made me admire Joseph was his obedience.  Saint Joseph always did as God had commanded.  He never once put up an argument, or tried to debate with God, He always just obeyed the Lord.  These things that God had asked him to do were certainly not easy things, these things that Joseph was asked to do took a lot of trust and faith.   

 I believe that we all need to take after the example of Saint Joseph.  This man is a true man, and a man that we can all learn a great deal from in regards to obedience to the Lord.  Because of his obedience and dedication to God and the faith, it is no wonder God chose him to care for Jesus and Mary.  Even though he will not be remembered as a man of many words, he will always be remembered as a man of obedience.    

Saint Joseph, pray for us to all be obedient and grounded in humility as you were.       

Father above we thank you for the gift of this day.  Lord, help to be obedient to you in all that we do.  Lord, we thank you for all that you have entrusted to us, help us to remember that everything we have comes from you and that we are to be good stewards of all that you have given.  Lord, we pray for all parents, that they may seek to pass on the love of you and the faith in you.  We ask this all through Christ our Lord.  Amen.