19 March 2014
Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I would like to focus on only two words from the Scripture readings: the description of Joseph as a “righteous man.” We do well to admire and imitate Joseph in regard to his righteousness. Yet what does it mean to be righteous? It occurs to me that (among other definitions), to be righteous implies God can count on us. Have we fathomed the sacred trust God placed in St. Joseph? He was in charge of protecting and providing for the Blessed Mother as she bore within her the Incarnate Son. St. Joseph must have felt tremendous pressure, being brought to his knees in prayer. We each have a sacred trust from God that also places demands upon us. For example, it always amazes me how much my parents pray for me. They have been righteous in their faithful marriage and parenting, and I’m sure it has not always been easy.
St. Joseph, pray for us, that we too may be righteous in the sight of God, so that He can count on us to do His most holy will.