Reflection for Monday March 20, Solemnity of Saint Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. 

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 

Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “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.

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Reflection:

Can you imagine what would have happened if Saint Joseph did not cooperate with the plan of God? For example, if he pursued his plan to quietly divorce the Blessed Mother. What would have happened then? 

But in his humility and docility Joseph listened to God, thus he discontinued his plan to quietly divorce Mary. He instead brought her home to shield her from public scandal. Such is Joseph a Godly man, a man who valued the voice of God dearly. Saint Joseph did not only assume his responsibility, he also ensured that his family would be protected from any harm. 

When He was told by an angel to bring his family to Egypt because of the threat against Jesus he brought them to Egypt (Matthew 2:13).  When he was told once again by the angel that they could now safely return to Israel he did so without asking any question (Matthew 2:20).  

Let us be inspired by the life of Saint Joseph: His humility, his willingness to listen to the voice of God. His unconditional love and protection for his wife and child. His character of being a responsible spouse and parent. 

Let us therefore reflect on how we carry out our roles as parents most especially as a father and spouse. Do we listen to the voice of God who at all times tell us to be a good father. Good father means that we give more time to our children because this is how it must be for them to be properly guided as they grow up. 

Many fathers today hardly have time for their children but they can create time for their social media exposure. Many fathers today find it difficult to find precious time for their wives but they have time for their friends.   

Saint Joseph is reminding us to straighten up our priorities which is no other than our respective families. – Marino J. Dasmarinas