Today the Church celebrates the solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the foster father of Him who would comprehensively fulfill the titles of Son of David and Son of God. The Second Reading reminds us that the Promise flows to all of us because the Gift is freely given to all who opt-in to the same faith. The scriptures today present the giants of our faith, none less than Abraham the Just, David the Lionhearted and Joseph the Humble. Step right up, the curtain rises.
Abraham Justified by Faith
For this reason, it depends on faith, so that it may be a gift, and the promise may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not to those who only adhere to the law but to those who follow the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us. Romans 4:16
What is striking about Abraham is his yearning, not for himself but for his descendants. He hoped against hope and believed in his heart that God would fulfill all the promises made to him. He trusted in God’s guarantee, despite all human logic and the facts in front of his aging eyes. Precisely because of his rock-solid faith, he is held up for us as a paragon. And we are reminded that it’s not by the law but by faith. We count Abraham as our Father in the faith that binds us together.
In the same faith is our vindication and our salvation. Pray for us and come to our aid, dear Father Abraham.
House of David is Blessed Forever
King David is cut to the heart when he realizes that he languishes in a house of cedar but the God of the Universe dwells in a tent. His yearning is to build a house for God, but through the mouth of the prophet Nathan, God tells him that this task was not his to fulfill. It is striking how God casually informs David that this will transpire after David rests with his ancestors. Death is an inevitability but not the end of our legacy. God’s promise to David is that his house, kingdom, and throne will remain firmly established forever. And again, this promise flows to us as well. The royal kingdom of David will stand forever, and our joint belief in the Son of David and Son of God assures us that we too will go the way of all flesh, but our legacy is secure in the hand of our God.
The Silence of Joseph
There isn’t a single recorded word from St. Joseph in Scripture. I marvel at his self-effacement, which is a perfect imitation of his divine Son, who conceals divinity behind his humanity. I did a snap poll among my family members and asked, who is the first J in JMJ? Pat came the answer: Not Joseph. And like you, the saint has a raised eyebrow at me for even posing the question. Every aspect of his life was lived out in service to God and the mother of God. The novena to St. Joseph describes him as one of the tools in his carpenter’s workshop, to be put aside as soon as its work was done.
The Welfare and Upbringing
Yet, consider this. He fulfilled the greatest task assigned to man: the welfare and upbringing of God’s only Son. For every fiat of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph was giving a corresponding Amen. He just went about the task that needed to be done. He obeyed – immediately. Both times the angel commanded Joseph to act, it was done with haste. The humility of Joseph is staggering, and we know full well that our God cannot resist humility.
It is small wonder that this humblest of saints bears illustrious titles like Foster Father of the Redeemer, Virginal Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patron of the Church, Patron of Families, Patron of Workers, and Patron of a Blessed Death. He is a mighty intercessor, and we would all do well to strengthen our relationship with this magnificent saint.
This is the month of March, and the Church dedicates it to Saint Joseph. And on a personal note, if you will indulge me, my first born gave birth to her first born early this month and dedicated him to this humblest of saints. Ezra Joseph Lobo, welcome to the world and may your namesake saint be your guide on all the walks of your life. Saint Joseph, may we ever have recourse to you, who stands with Our Lady of the Rosary as you lead us always to Jesus, your loving son.
[Readings: 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a]
