Reflection for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph

Today's Mass Readings

The Lord promised King David an heir and a long-lasting kingdom. His dynasty would last long after his death. Yet despite this promise, Nathan told David that “the sword” would never depart from his house because of his sinful affair with Bathsheba. His dynasty would always be fighting. David had faith in the Lord’s word that his kingdom would endure long after his death. Abraham had looked forward in faith long before David. As St. Paul tells the Romans, all “who follow the faith of Abraham” can be called the descendants of Abraham and have a share in God’s promise to him. This fulfillment of the Lord’s promise isn’t accomplished through the law. It is accomplished by faith in Christ Jesus.

Jesus is the long-awaited heir to David’s dynasty and the fulfillment of Abraham’s faith. St. Joseph helped to cultivate this promise of faith. He took a leap of faith in believing in Jesus’ conception was a miracle, and he accepted the angel’s direction to take Mary as his wife.

There is an old legend which says that while Mary and Joseph were on the road to Bethlehem, Mary asked her husband to grab her some fruit from a tree, since she was hungry. Joseph, according to the legend, told Mary to have the child’s father get it for her. Suddenly, a branch with fruit bent down to Mary. Seeing this miracle, Joseph repented of his doubt.

Whatever you make of this legend, the point remains: Joseph had faith in Jesus, even though he doubted at first. He raised Him as his own son. Joseph raised Jesus in His humanity so that now we can share in Jesus’ divinity. How fitting it is that Joseph is the Universal Patron of the Church. 

Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB