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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. For it is through the Holy
Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.” Matthew
1:20
Joseph knew that the penalty for adultery was death by stoning. His
heart must have been deeply conflicted. On one hand, the virtues of
his betrothed wife, Mary, were abundantly clear. Mary radiated
holiness. Impurity was foreign to her Immaculate Heart. Yet she was
pregnant, and Joseph was not the father. What should he do?
To protect Mary from public shame, Joseph decided to do what he
believed was the most merciful thing—he “decided to divorce her
quietly. Such was his intention…” Though little is known about
Joseph, this Gospel passage identifies him as “a righteous man.”
Many saints, popes, and Church documents highlight his
unquestionable sanctity. He was not immaculate and free from sin as
was his wife, but God the Father would have chosen a righteous and
holy man to be the foster father of the Son of God.
Joseph’s actions reveal his deep faith. As he slept, “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. For
it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in
her.’” The angel explained to him that Isaiah prophesied that the
Messiah would be born of a virgin (see Isaiah 7:14) and that Joseph
was to take Mary and her unborn Son into his home and care for
them. When he awoke, he did as the angel commanded.
Joseph’s dream was no ordinary dream. The Holy Spirit accompanied
the angel and instilled the certitude of faith in Joseph’s mind,
empowering his will to obey God’s will. Joseph became the father
and guardian of the Savior of the World. On December 8, 1847, Pope
Pius IX declared Saint Joseph to be the Universal Patron and
Protector of the Catholic Church. Just as he protected the Son of
God, so he intercedes for us who are members of Christ’s body, the
Church.
As our Advent season enters its final week, we are reminded of the
role that Jesus’ foster father played not only in the life of the
Holy Family, but also about the role Saint Joseph continues to play
in the life of the Church and in each one of our lives. His
intercessory power from Heaven is great, and we should not hesitate
to call upon his prayers, especially when we need protection,
struggle with fear, or face some grave challenge.
Reflect today on your personal devotion to Saint Joseph. Ponder,
especially, his deep faith and obedience to the will of God as was
communicated to him in a dream. Strive to imitate that obedience in
your own life, never hesitating to undertake the mission God has
given you. Turn to Saint Joseph in prayer and know that his
powerful intercession will help protect you and win God’s grace in
the areas you need it the most. Saint Joseph, you were a holy
and righteous man, entrusted with the guardianship of the Mother of
God and the Son of God.
You fulfilled your role faithfully and continue that role from
Heaven, protecting all of God’s children through your intercession.
Please pray for me, that I will imitate your obedience and will be
protected from all sin so as to fulfill the unique role God has
given me. Saint Joseph, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in
You.
Image: Gerard Seghers, Public domain, via Wikimedia
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