Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Righteousness is the state of being “morally right or justifiable,” and is an attribute of only a few people in Scripture: Abraham being perhaps the prime example. Joseph is one of these men; it is fitting, especially because he will be the earthly father of a child who will one day be referred to as “the Righteous One” (Acts 3:14 for example), and so a righteous man for the raising of a righteous son. Later in the Gospels, Jesus will teach us that our righteousness must surpass even that of the scribes and Pharisees in order to enter into Heaven (Matthew 5:20), and we know Joseph passes this test. For Jesus goes on to give examples of how they will outwardly obey the commandments against murder and adultery, but in their heart will hate and lust. Joseph, as we hear in our Gospel today, knew that the Law demanded that a betrothed woman who had committed adultery must be stoned to death and, yet, he chose to divorce her quietly so as not to expose her to shame. How does this demonstrate a righteousness surpassing the scribes and Pharisees?
Remember, this is the man who raised Jesus who later in life is presented with a woman caught in the act of adultery and, knowing the Law demanded her death, said, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her,” (John 8:7) and lets her go. Joseph has the humility to see himself as a sinner, just as deserving of death as his betrothed, if indeed she was guilty of adultery. In our Gospel we begin to see the kind of work the child of Mary—and through his yes, his child as well—was coming to do in this world: “…he will save his people from their sins,” a son caring for people after the will of His Father in Heaven, and the example of His father on earth.
St. Joseph, pray for us.