Meditation

Today marks the Feast of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. Though Scripture does not record much of Joseph’s life, we learn a great deal about the character of Joseph from Matthew. 

St. Joseph is an example of obedience and submission to God’s will even in the face of much difficulty and confusion. Joseph’s story is relatable because it is messy and atypical. When Joseph finds out that Mary is pregnant with a child that is not his, he tries to break off the marriage. He resolves to do so in a way that maintains some of her honor, though he nevertheless intends to leave her and her child. 

In this critical moment of decision, God intervenes. God sends an angel in a dream to show Joseph God’s plan for salvation through this child. Though God did not necessarily need Joseph, he does not allow Joseph to leave. Instead, God invites him to be part of salvation history. Joseph, an ordinary craftsman from Nazareth, responds in obedience to God’s extraordinary call on his life. 

God calls Joseph to something so much bigger than himself — to raise, teach, protect, and parent God alongside Mary. May we follow Joseph’s example of courage, obedience, and trust in God’s extraordinary calling on each of our ordinary lives.