“You shall shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of Israel.” Today is the eve of the formerly known commemoration honoring the Espousal of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. The St. Benedict Center and The Latin Mass Magazine (2019) suggest that January 23rd was the date of the commemoration. Yet, the Early Church history indicates various dates. Although the espousal is not officially included in the Roman calendar of the Universal Church, some religious communities retain this devotion to Our Lady and Noble Guardian’s date of matrimony.
It is thought-provoking to read and reflect this month on the accounts of David and his kingship. In Jewish traditions, genealogy came from the male line. We see this genealogy of Jesus Christ in Mark 1:2-16 and Luke 3:23-38. Today’s first reading depicts David anointed King of Israel. God chose David for a particular purpose and mission to aid Israel and fulfill the covenant. His kingship points to something great and forthcoming.
Commander
David was once a lowly man, a shepherd, and a noble protector. The Lord proclaims David as the “commander of Israel.” Jewish custom reveals that several men were selected by the High Priest as an anticipated suitor of the bride. A man would be selected by the High Priest and a promise to be espoused would then be declared. After a bit of time the couple would be joined together under one household, called kiddushin. Joseph, being a descendant of David, was selected as an eligible suitor in the temple. Then, according to tradition, Joseph’s staff blossomed with white lilies and a dove appeared. The High Priest took this as a sign from God that Joseph was the chosen and just man suitable to honor Mary. In looking at the life of Mary, we know that Mary had made a private vow of chastity. We could ponder that Joseph’s staff full of lilies is the visible sign of the invisible grace of chastity that God infused into Joseph as well. The Church later will know Joseph under the title, Guardian of the Virgin and Most Chaste.
Joseph and David
Personally, when reflecting on the readings from the Book of Samuel this month, I see the resemblance to the early life of Mary and Joseph. Joseph provided and protected Mary from harm. He cared incredibly for the woman God chose to bear His Son. He was poor and lowly but worked and stood up to the challenges of life.
“David grew steadily more powerful, for the Lord of hosts was with him.” David would go on to build the temple, fall, and victoriously repent. One can imagine that Joseph prepared a domestic temple in Nazareth when kiddushin ended. And he took Mary home as the angel instructed. Joseph had the privilege to live among the God incarnate, and the Lord was with him. An ancient prayer for private preparation for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass emphasizes that Joseph had the privilege to see, hear, embrace, clothe, guard, and defend the Child Jesus. The home in Nazareth was filled with glorious joy and traditions or life lessons passed on from the lineage of David to Joseph.
Resolve
The three Holy Hearts resided in Nazareth. I invite you to pray today to ask the Holy Family to reside in your heart. And petition for Mary and Joseph to cultivate in you their virtues of purity, chastity, and authentic love. Keep closely in mind the favor given to David. The Lord is with you at all times, even when you fall.
