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:

Do you always obey the will of God for your marriage? For example the will of God for the marriage covenant is for the couple to be faithful until the end. Are you always faithful to this marriage covenant in your thoughts and actions?

Today is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Aside from being a responsible father and husband to Jesus and Mary, what else makes Saint Joseph so especial? Joseph humbly and quietly followed the will of the Lord.

Saint Joseph accepted without question what God wanted him to do. Yes he was planning to quietly divorce Mary. However, the moment the angel appeared in his dream to convey God’s message for him. He never questioned the will of the Lord. He humbly and quietly followed what the angel told him to do, he loved Mary and Jesus deeply and he responsibly took care of them.

Let us reflect on the humility of Saint Joseph and compare it with our humility before God and our fellow human beings. Let us reflect on the submissiveness of Joseph to the will of the Lord and compare it with our own submissiveness to the will of the Lord regarding our fidelity to the marriage covenant. 

Let us reflect on the sacrificial and deep love of Joseph towards Mary and Jesus and compare it with our love for our respective spouses and children. – Marino J. Dasmarinas