When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.

matthew 1:24

Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24

Reflection

In the genealogy of Jesus, Joseph is named as the husband of Mary. When Joseph discovers Mary is pregnant, he decides to divorce her, but when told in a dream that the child is of the Holy Spirit, Joseph obeys the angel and brings Mary into his home.

Joseph is described as being just, but this passage indicates he is also wise. When he discovers Mary’s pregnancy, Joseph considers his options on how to proceed. He doesn’t act hastily or with anger. Then, when the angel tells him to still take Mary as his wife, he takes this counsel, obeying the Lord and acting accordingly.

We, too, should strive to be like Joseph. When faced with any difficult situation, we must not act out of anger or fear, but take counsel with the Lord. Ask him what his will is, and then act accordingly.

Joseph obeyed God in all things, even if he didn’t understand. Pray for the grace to be like St. Joseph, trusting in God for everything and acting upon his will.

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Saint of the Day

Solemnity of St. Joseph

“What many kings and prophets desired to see, and saw not; desired to hear, and heard not; he [St. Joseph] was allowed not merely to hear and see, but also to carry, lead, embrace, kiss, nourish, and protect.”   St. Bernard of Clairvaux speaking about St. Joseph