Saint Joseph: a loving father

Listening to the Spirit

Lord, thank you for the gift of Your Word, the ancient promise that sustains Your people in hope. As I go about my day, waiting for Your coming, may I not forget the scriptures You have opened up for me. Help me to recognize how You want me to prepare a way for You in my daily life. Holy Spirit, guided by Your Word, may You enlighten my mind and enkindle in my heart a greater love, that I may be ready to welcome You in my brothers and sisters. Amen.

Listening to the Word

Matthew 1:18-24

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. 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. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

Reflection

In the past Sundays, we were inspired by John the Baptist to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord. On this fourth and final Sunday of Advent, the main figure is Saint Joseph. He reminds us that those who seem hidden or live in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the History of Salvation. It is called this because God intervened through certain events and persons, revealing His presence and His will for the world. One of them was Saint Joseph, who cared for, educated, and formed Jesus during His childhood and adolescence.

Here are three characteristics of Saint Joseph, taken from Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter Patris Corde. They can help us respond to God’s call to be part of the History of Salvation:

An obedient father. In his heart, Joseph had already decided to protect Mary, the woman he loved deeply. He “decided to divorce her quietly,” sparing her shame and pain. Later, when he understood more clearly what had happened—most likely because Mary explained it to him—he immediately welcomed her into his home. He obeyed the will of God and trusted in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
A tender and loving father. Joseph held Jesus’ hand and taught Him to walk. We can imagine how Jesus remembered His father’s hand: tender and loving. Through that hand, Jesus experienced:
- Safety from dangers
- The kindness of his father
- Help in times of difficulty

There were also times when a father’s hand felt “heavy,” meant to discipline and guide children toward becoming better. Yet, may fathers leave their children with good memories, choosing sincere conversation over punishment.

A creatively courageous father. Creative courage emerges especially in how we face difficulties.
- When Joseph arrived in Bethlehem and found no lodging where Mary could give birth, he took a manger and made it a home for the Son of God who had come into the world.
- When Herod sought to kill all children under two years old, including Jesus, Joseph was warned in a dream. He rose in the middle of the night and fled to Egypt to protect the child.

Finally, I would like to pray for all families without a father: Lord, You know more than we do. Help them face this absence. Guide single mothers to raise their children with care, teaching them that they have a “Father” who loves them and guides them too—God the Father.