Reflection for Tuesday, March 19; Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband 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. If he did not listen to the angel of the Lord who spoke to him in his dream.

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 any public scandal. Such is Joseph a Godly man, a man who valued the voice of God dearly.

Saint Joseph did not stop by assuming 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 his child. His character of being a responsible spouse and parent.

Let us therefore reflect on how we carry out our roles as a child of God, as a parent and as a spouse. Do we listen to the voice of God? Are we loving and protective to our respective families? – Marino J. Dasmarinas