Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
He is a quiet man, often depicted in the background of Jesus’ life. But Joseph once again takes center stage in Matthew’s nativity narrative. And once again the uprightness we witnessed in last Sunday’s Gospel is evident in his understanding of God’s will and his courageous actions. Joseph’s righteousness (right relationship with God) enabled him to hear the voice of God in the warnings of the angel, and to trust his own spiritual intuition in protecting his family and carrying out the will of the Father.
How do we get there? How does our own “righteousness” translate into courageous action? A simple prayer tucked away in the scriptures enlightens us: “You built up strength within me.” Constancy in prayer and in a life of self-giving modeled after Jesus’ gift of himself, builds up that strength within. Quietly we build and when the time comes for us to act we are often amazed at our inner resources. Somehow I got through this illness…My family survived a setback and now we are stronger…My friend was so grateful I was present to her in her grief. These are the strengths we build up within us as we embrace the workings of God’s love and grace in our day to day living.
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| Courtesy BeeStill Studio |
And with Joseph, we also attune our hearts to that voice of God within. It is at times the discerning voice that tells us to trust our sense of the Lord’s desire for us. It is sometimes the still, small voice of conscience that sets us on the right path of action. It is often the voices of others who act as God’s messengers to us. And it is the gentle nudge of an angelic presence leading us out of danger. If we are constant in our listening, we will come to experience the movements of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
While we look often to Mary as our model of faith, trust and acceptance of God’s will, today let us look up to Joseph, a man whose wisdom and integrity of heart enabled him to act with trust and courage to allow God’s salvation to unfold.
The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, The Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.
Brother Mickey McGrath is the artist and author of "Go To Joseph," an illustrated reflection suitable for prayer and meditation, available from World Library Publications. Click here for ordering information.
