Homily (Reflection) for the Solemnity
of Saint Joseph, Husband of B.V.M. (20th March, 2017) on the Gospel
and the Solemnity
2Sam 7:4-5a. 12-14a.16;
Ps 89:2-5.27.29 (R. v. 37);Rom 4:13.16-18.22;
Matt 1:16.18-21.24a or Lk 2:41-51a.
Saint Joseph, spouse
of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster-father of Jesus Christ is the prince and patron of the Universal
Church. He was a simple village carpenter and is venerated in the Catholic
Church, Anglican Communion, Lutheranism, Methodism, Eastern Orthodox Church, and
Oriental Orthodox Church. Saint Joseph is the patron of the Catholic Church,
unborn children, fathers, immigrants, workers, employment, carpenters,
realtors, against doubt and hesitation, and of a happy death, Canada, Croatia,
Korea, Vietnam, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines, and many others. Pope John XXIII added
his name to the Canon of the Mass. And Pope Francis had
his name added to the three other Eucharistic Prayers[1].
Topic: Truly righteous.
The gospel (Matt
1:16.18-21.24a) tells us about the great saint we are celebrating. Mary the
mother of Jesus who had been engaged to him was found to be with child from the
Holy Spirit. The bible goes on to tell us, “being a righteous man and unwilling
to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.” And in a
dream the angel of the Lord told him how it all happened and instructed him to
take his wife. And, “When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the
Lord commanded him.”
In the life of Saint Joseph we see in action the importance
of thinking
before acting. If he was
impulsive in his action, he wouldn’t have had the time to plan on what to do. And
it was legitimate for him to expose Mary to public ridicule and shameful death,
cf. Lev 20:10.
We have lots of lessons to learn from the life of Saint
Joseph. Although according to laws we have right to a lot of things yet we must
be careful lest we hurt our brothers and sisters. One’s right can be forfeited
for a higher goal, cf. Matt 19:12. Again, we are called to do God’s
will and not ours, cf. Heb 13:21. Joseph
is a wonderful example. He took Mary as commanded by God contrary to his own decision.
Do we do God’s will or ours? We must follow the example of Saint Joseph to be truly
righteous.
Bible Reading: Rom 9:19-29; 2Tim 2:14-26.
Thought for today: We are called to be righteous.
Let us pray: Lord, give us all the graces we need
to be truly righteous – Amen.
Saint Joseph – Pray for us.
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others if you consider it worthy.
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