St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Image: A Christian Pilgrimage
(EWTN) The glorious St. Joseph was born in Jerusalem and it is generally believed that he died at Nazareth before Jesus began his ministry.
The Holy Scriptures tell us very little of Joseph but from the early chapters of Matthew and Luke, we glean that Joseph was a Carpenter by trade, a just and religious man, together with being an excellent husband and father.
The genealogy given in Matthew 1: 1-17 traces his lineage from Abraham and King David — The history of his life was not written by men but his principle actions are recorded by the Holy Spirit himself God entrusted him with the education of his divine Son, manifested in the flesh. In this view, he was espoused to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Later when Joseph learned that Mary was with child, though he had not been with her, he had privately considered putting her away, yet Joseph hesitated because Joseph was a kindly man and did not want to expose Mary to the reproach which such an action would bring.
It was at this time of uncertainty that the Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and revealed to him the ‘Mystery of the Incarnation: Joseph, Son of David, Do Not Be Afraid’ Saint Joseph had an important role in the history of salvation, he is part of the fulfillment of the covenant promises made to Abraham and David.
Joseph accepted without question the two-fold office with which he was charged: (1) Protector of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s honor; (2) foster father of the child Jesus that was to be born.
As we celebrate the solemnity of Saint Joseph today, we contemplate him as a model of faith and trust in God. We all should strive to imitate Joseph, asking God to increase our faith and help us in our unbelief. Likewise as we meditate today on Joseph’s role in the history of salvation, we ask God to enlighten us about our own mission and we ask Him for the grace and strength to fulfill that mission as Joseph did.
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Related: For Holy Scripture Readings and More Visit: -USCCB
Why do we Celebrate a Solemnity of St. Joseph? -EWTN
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