March 15, 2008, Solemnity of St Joseph

Today we honor Joseph, the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus. Just as we know that Mary was chosen by God from all women to be the mother of Jesus, so to we should be aware that Joseph was chosen by God to be his earthly father—both because of his lineage being from the line of David, and also because of his strong and honorable character.

We also know that Joseph listened and did as the angel of the Lord instructed both in the instance in the gospel prior to Jesus’ birth and several instances thereafter. In reflecting on this quality, we must ask ourselves how attentive we are to the still small voice within us to do as the Lord asks us both in the big and little decisions of our lives

When we think of our own fathers, we see them as men of honor who work hard to provide for us materially but also to set an example of selflessness and compassion. We can emulate these qualities as well by doing what we can to respond to the material and spiritual needs around us.

We also cannot forget that we too are in the lineage of Christ, his brothers and sisters, adopted sons and daughters of God Himself. In Romans 8:15-16 we read: For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption through which we cry “abba, Father”.

Let us strive to live fully this high calling as we continue to journey closer to Easter

March 15, 2008, Solemnity of St Joseph