Joseph as the model of faith
March 19, 2025 - Wed, Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a
God’s plans often disrupt our own. David longed to build a house for the Lord, but God had other plans. Joseph, too, faced unexpected challenges when his betrothed was found with child. Yet in both cases, faith and obedience illuminated the path forward. On this Solemnity of Saint Joseph, we reflect on his trust in God’s Word and his role as the protector of the Savior.
The main character of today’s Gospel also carries the name of his famous ancestor, Joseph. The Joseph of Genesis is known for his dreams and for saving his family from famine (Gen 50:19-21). Similarly, the Joseph of Matthew’s Gospel is guided by dreams (1:20; 2:12, 13, 19) and tasked with protecting Mary and her child. However, Joseph of the New Testament re-enacts the role of his ancestor on a much higher level—as the protector of the Savior of the world. Before this could take place, however, Joseph faced a profound personal trial: Mary, his betrothed, was found with child (Matt 1:18).
Under Jewish law, betrothal was legally binding, and unfaithfulness during the waiting period before living together was considered a grave offense (Deut 22:23-24). While the death penalty for such cases was rarely applied in Jesus’ time, there were two other options:
1. Publicly exposing the woman to shame and divorce, leading to her ostracism by the community.
2. Quietly divorcing her by providing a certificate in the presence of two witnesses.
Joseph, described as a righteous man, chose the latter course to spare Mary from public disgrace. However, an angel appeared to him in a dream, explaining, "It is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her" (Matt 1:20). Joseph’s response was immediate trust and obedience. He took Mary into his home and embraced his role as the earthly father of the Messiah.
Joseph’s trust mirrors the faith of Abraham, who believed "hoping against hope" (Rom 4:18). Abraham’s faith marked the dawn of Israel, while Joseph’s faith shines at the dawn of the new Israel, the Church. Just as Mary’s words to the angel, "Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38), expressed complete surrender, Joseph’s actions demonstrate the same trust in God’s plan. At the heart of this biblical message is obedience to God. It is not enough to believe that God exists or to have intellectual faith. True faith expresses itself in obedience to God’s Word, and Joseph perfectly exemplifies this truth.
Saint Joseph is presented as a model for us. Do we have a similar faith in God? The Word of God is recorded for us in the Bible and proclaimed during the Eucharistic celebration. Are we willing to trust it fully? Can we say what Mary said and Joseph expressed through his actions: "Let it be to me as you have said"?
Saint Joseph, pray for us. Help us to grow in trust and obedience to God’s Word, even when His plans disrupt our own. May we, like you, faithfully follow God’s will and protect the presence of Christ in our lives and in the world.