In today’s Gospel we see that it was with courage built on confidence that Joseph accomplished the mission God gave him to do. He made himself completely available in executing what God asked him to do. That mindset is what spurred him on. Every mission God gives us demands the same confident courage.
In our contemporary society, it is especially fathers of families who are asked to imitate Joseph because never in modern history has the role of the father been more questioned.
Smarmy pronouncements from anti-Christian women’s lib groups denigrate his role, which is defined in the two other readings of today’ mass. I shall read them over – including the unaltered form – carefully, pray to imbibe their spirit and broadcast their meaning.
Joseph’s disposal to do God’s will did not make him a puppet. He used his own ingenuity when he decided it was time to move the family back to the Holy Land and settle in Galilee. And the Lord blessed him for it. This is part of the lesson for me in today’s gospel.
Resolution: I shall pray today for more contemporary Catholic fathers like Joseph.