Today is the feast day of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary; a man so special he has 2 feast days in the Catholic Church (May 1st is the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker). Today, as we celebrate Joseph as Mary’s husband and the foster-father of Jesus, we look to him as an example of patience, humility, and service to God. Joseph took his role as father seriously, keeping his wife and son safe from Herod, working to feed and shelter them, and teaching Jesus carpentry.
Even before Jesus was born, Joseph showed his righteousness and love for his family. After hearing rumors about Mary's pregnancy, Joseph was hurt and confused, yet he loved Mary enough to spare her further shame and rumors, planning to divorce her quietly… (until, as we see in Matthew’s Gospel, an angel appeared to him and asked him to protect and guide this Holy Family). While none of us will experience exactly the same thing, we all have, at one point or another, been hurt by a close friend or family member. During this Lenten season (and beyond), I challenge you to respond as Joseph did, by loving and caring about that person. Instead of complaining about your little sister to all your friends or posting that embarrassing video of your friend on YouTube/Vine, love them enough to spare them further embarrassment and shame. Love them enough to teach them, to guide them, and to protect them. As a family member and friend, your role is to, as Joseph did, love, protect, guide, support, teach, and nourish your family-no matter how difficult it may be. Comments are closed.
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