Solemnity of St.Joseph, Husband of Mary and Foster Father of Jesus
Readings:
2 Samuel 7: 4 –5, 12 – 14, 16
Romans 4: 13.16 -18.22
Luke 2: 41 – 51a
Reflection:
Today we honour St Joseph in a very special way. He is always beside Mary – he shows courage, fidelity and care for the family – the loving ‘father’ of Jesus and the faithful husband of Mary.
The second reading today speaks of Abraham as the father of our faith. He is a type of St Joseph. Many times Joseph had to cling to trust in God in his provident Care. Often this led him into the unknown – to find a stable in Bethlehem for Mary to give birth to the Child, to leave Bethlehem hurriedly to take Mary and the infant Jesus into exile.
Parents today, and all of us, can look to St Joseph as the Patron of husbands and fathers . . . who are faithful and reliable to stand by their wives and children in good times, and in bad with love, wisdom and courage. In the Gospel today, Joseph does not sail into Jesus with bitter angry words when he and Mary discover Jesus AWOL in the Temple! He stands back, lets the mother do the talking and gives strength to her care.
St Joseph, teach us wisdom, teach us fidelity and a spirit of faith. May our fathers learn to be a loving, sometimes silent presence to support our women and our children in all the ups and downs of family life.
St. Joseph, father of our faith, pray for us.
Pat McIndoe CP, a Passionist at St. Gabriel’s Retreat, Boroko, Port Moresby