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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…” Matthew 1:19–20
In Jewish tradition, righteousness meant living in full conformity
with God’s covenant. This included keeping the Law of Moses, but
also having faith in the Lawgiver—God. One does not become
righteous by external observance of the Law alone, but by faith in
God. Recall that “Abram put his faith in the LORD, who attributed
it to him as an act of righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). Saint Paul
explains that Abraham was righteous because “He did not doubt God’s
promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave
glory to God and was fully convinced that what he had promised he
was also able to do” (Romans 4:20–21). Noah was also identified as
righteous, because “Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9).
Today, we honor another man Scripture defines as righteous: Saint
Joseph. By calling him righteous, the Gospel associates him with
these fundamental Old Testament figures who lived by faith, but it
also elevates Joseph above them all, given that his faith bore
witness not to the Old Testament Covenant, but to the Messiah. His
fidelity to God’s call to care for and protect his immaculate
spouse and the Christ Child, even at personal cost, is an inspiring
witness. It shows us that righteousness is ultimately expressed in
sacrificial love and trust in God—trust that brings forth the
Savior of the World.
Joseph’s righteousness is expressed not in words but in actions. He
listens to God’s angel in a dream and responds with complete trust,
taking Mary into his home and embracing his role in the mystery of
the Incarnation. Joseph’s faith is especially manifested by the
fact that what the angel revealed to him and asked him to do was
confounding. He was asked to believe that his spouse became
pregnant “through the Holy Spirit” and that her Child “will save
his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Joseph’s response
manifested faith, courage, and generosity: “When Joseph awoke, he
did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife
into his home” (Matthew 1:24).
Joseph emulates the response we must all make to God. Like Abraham,
whose faith was tested when God asked the unthinkable, Joseph’s
faith informed and guided his human reason with the mystery of
God’s Wisdom. Like Joseph, we are often called to trust God when
His plan surpasses our understanding. Whether it involves our
vocation, a trial, or an unexpected turn in life, Joseph’s example
teaches us that faith allows us to see with God’s eyes, guiding our
reason to respond with trust and obedience. Imitating him takes
courage, but like Joseph, we must hear God say to us, “Do not be
afraid.” Walking by faith, not by sight, takes courage, fidelity,
and resolve.
Today’s Solemnity especially highlights Joseph’s vocation as
husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Though he was a carpenter, the
primary way he fulfilled his God-given responsibilities was to care
for his wife and Child. He did this by providing for them and
protecting them, fleeing to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath, and
later to Nazareth, far from his hometown of Bethlehem. His fidelity
to God’s will, especially in taking Mary as his wife, likely
brought confusion and misunderstanding from his extended family and
associates. Yet Joseph accepted this earthly shame with grace,
choosing obedience to God over the opinions of men. For him, God’s
will came first, and his faith in action was the source of his
righteousness.
Reflect today on the vocation and mission God has given to you. No
matter your calling or life’s circumstances, there will always be
tests and trials. The true test of our righteousness is not found
in the avoidance of trials, but in the way we face them with faith
and trust in God. If the Father in Heaven would permit Saint
Joseph, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Christ Child to face
earthly struggles, then we can be assured of the same. Today, Saint
Joseph teaches us how to respond to those trials. Ponder those
difficulties that you tend to avoid or complain about, and imitate
Saint Joseph by seeking God’s mysterious will and following it with
all your heart.
Saint Joseph, you were righteous because you believed in God’s
mysterious plan and acted upon it with unwavering faith. Pray for
me, that I may imitate your example in my life’s vocation. May I
never run from my duties, but embrace them with courage, humility,
and trust in God’s will. Saint Joseph, pray for me. Jesus, I trust
in You.
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