Today the Church celebrates the solemnity of St. Joseph, the most chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin and foster father of Jesus. Today the Church leads us deeply into the mystery of holy Joseph who was chosen to play a very special role in God\’s plan of our salvation.
Joseph is called a \”just man\”. In Hebrew, a just man means a good, faithful servant of God, someone who fulfills the divine will, who loves God and neighbors. Joseph considered his wife holy and pure. But she was going to have a child. He was confused and could not explain this difficult situation, so he decided to divorce her quietly. But during the night, the mystery was explained, and it became clear to him: \”Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit…\” (Matthew 1:24) He accepted God\’s plan completely and love moved him forward to embrace his vocation as the foster father of Jesus.
The beautiful example of Joseph tells us that we ought not to be surprised if we also undergo difficult trials in our life. Daily fidelity, responsibility for the family and the home, striving to do God\’s will in all situations is not an easy job. Sometimes we may experience the apparent absence of God in our lives. We turn at these times to a humble, life-giving prayer in order to remain faithful to God who constantly gives light and rewards those who act justly and trust in God\’s power and wisdom. Let us follow the example of the righteous and humble St. Joseph, who generously opened his heart to God and did not simply do his own will. He became the heroic guardian of the Son of God, his Mother, and now he is the Guardian of the Universal Church.
Dominican Life on Lotus Lane 