Matthew and Luke, the two Evangelists who speak most of Joseph, tell us very little, yet enough for us to appreciate what sort of father he was, and the mission entrusted to him by God's providence.WITH A FATHER'S HEART: that is how Joseph loved Jesus, whom all four Gospels refer to as "the son of Joseph"[1]
We know that Joseph was a lowly carpenter (cf. Mt13:55), betrothed to Mary (cf. Mt1:18; Lk1:27). He was a "just man" (Mt1:19), ever ready to carry out God's will as revealed to him in the Law (cf. LK2:22.27.39) and through four dreams (cf. Mt1:20; 2:13.19.22). After a long and tiring journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, he beheld the birth of the Messiah in a stable, since "there was no place for them" elsewhere (cf. Lx 2:7). He witnessed the adoration of the shepherds (cf. Lk2:8-20) and the Magi (cf. Mt2:1-12), who represented respectively the people of Israel and the pagan peoples.
"Each of us can discover in Joseph - the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence - an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble. Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation.” ...
|
by Fr. Donal Mcilraith |
|
Comments (0)