Greetings on this the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a
Summary
The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
Reflection
WOKE – To become conscious / aware of something important.
Joseph awoke.
He became aware of what God was doing and responded with courage and care.
In the truest sense, Joseph was awake to God.
The supreme being WOKE, is to know the divine care for us.
There are so many parts that deserve attention.
Today is Saint Joseph’s day, so perhaps we can use his being WOKE as our guide.
- God loves Him and Mary.
- Joseph is her guardian and that of her unborn Son.
- The Spirit of God is present for us within us and communing to us.
- God saves – Jesus – is present.
- Joseph took Mary into his home – into his safety.
It also WAKES us to:
- God is not scandalized by irregular relationships.
- We are to protect one another.
- The Spirit of God talks to all of us – listen to him.
- Jesus is for the salvation of all.
- Our Safety is a gift to be shared.
Personal Reflection
Lord, you love everyone. Thank you for the example of Joseph who even went so far as to give the gift of his marital intimacy for the salvation of the world. Safe Care (the phrase) is used in healthcare and in family services. Safe Care is used in the middle ages called a ‘Stay’. It has many names across the ages and cultures.
Being Woke is a core Christian value. Woke to discrimination, prejudice, violence, hatred and warfare. Woke to fairness, freedoms of autonomy, and peaceful coexistence. It is becoming aware of the bruised, injured people needing care.
Woke is taking the rights and needs of others into our safe care.
Be a Joseph to Nations: Iran, North Korea, Ukraine.
Be a Joseph to Mothers: the single mother, the pregnant without help.
Be a Joseph to Sons: who need male example of righteousness not the phoney baloney toxic masculinity.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031926.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry