Solemnity of Saint Joseph,
husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Biographical Information about St. Joseph[1]
Readings for Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis
Commentary:
Reading 1 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16
Within the historical books of the Old Testament (1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, 1 and 2 Maccabees), this passage is considered to have the most theological significance. Nathan’s Oracle – the establishment of the dynasty of King David marks the beginning of the understanding of royal messianism, our first hint of the Messiah to come.
In this passage, Nathan is told to tell David that, while he would not build the Temple, his son (Solomon) would and that his (David’s) line would continue; “Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.”
Responsorial Psalm Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29
R. The son of David will live for ever.
Though Psalm 89 is a lament, this first section is prophetic and reiterates the Davidic Dynasty. The intended support for the Samuel reading above is clear.
Reading II Rm 4:13, 16-18, 22
In this address to the Romans, St. Paul reconciles Jewish History as it applies to gentiles. By defining God’s people as the descendants of Abraham, he includes all peoples in the inheritance of Christ. This reconciliation is through faith not the Law of Moses and not simply heritage.
Gospel Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a
This section of the Nativity Narrative from St. Matthew’s Gospel tells the story of Joseph’s dilemma. He is required by Mosaic Law to file a petition of divorce in front of witnesses. He has resigned himself to this course of action when he has a dream in which an angel came to him and told him of the origins of the child Mary bore. For his part, Joseph accepted the message and did as the Lord commanded.
Or Lk 2:41-51a
From the Gospel of St. Luke we have the story of Jesus in the Temple. It is significant from a number of perspectives. First the story breaks the scriptural silence regarding the “lost years” of Jesus’ growth from infancy to adulthood. This story says Jesus is twelve, that would be the time when he would have celebrated his bar miswah, he would have been considered a man.
This story is at odds with the Apocryphal Gospels (such as the Gospel of St. Thomas) that attributed to Jesus many miracles during his early years, this story paints his childhood as fairly normal, the implication based on Joseph and Mary’s reaction is that they, at this point, do not completely understand their son’s mission.
With reference to St. Joseph, this passage is the first time God is identified as the Father of Jesus, not Joseph. It is also the last time in scripture he is referenced. He do, however receive a great tribute as the Lord Jesus returns home with him and is obedient to him.
Reflection:
The options for the Gospel readings give us both ends of Joseph’s involvement in the life of Christ and two different images to ponder. The dots are all connected in terms of salvation history tumbling down from Abraham to David to Joseph. We are all part of the drama that unfolds as the Messiah is born and raised by earthly parents as true man, born of woman.
Of all the roles played by God’s instruction in Christ’s life, St. Joseph is least mentioned, but, like the cotter pin that holds together two great weights, his understated presence is critical to fulfilling the prophecy. He is, as we hear in Matthew of the line of David, he continues, through his foster son, Jesus the messianic promise.
His role for us is one of the person who, in spite of social pressure does the right thing, without fanfare, in all humility, he does what God asks. He is the faithful father who works in obscurity to provide for his family. His contribution to the whole may only be seen by inference. The son he helped to raise fulfilled His destiny, as bitter sweet as that was.
Today we end with the prayer of St. Joseph:
Almighty God, You entrusted to the faithful care of Joseph the beginnings of the mysteries of man's salvation. Through his intercession may Your Church always be faithful in her service so that Your designs will be fulfilled. Amen.
Pax
[1] The image presented today is “Joseph's Dream” by Gaetano Gandolfi, 1790
[2] After 04/07
husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Biographical Information about St. Joseph[1]
Readings for Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis
Commentary:
Reading 1 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16
Within the historical books of the Old Testament (1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, 1 and 2 Maccabees), this passage is considered to have the most theological significance. Nathan’s Oracle – the establishment of the dynasty of King David marks the beginning of the understanding of royal messianism, our first hint of the Messiah to come.
In this passage, Nathan is told to tell David that, while he would not build the Temple, his son (Solomon) would and that his (David’s) line would continue; “Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.”
Responsorial Psalm Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29
R. The son of David will live for ever.
Though Psalm 89 is a lament, this first section is prophetic and reiterates the Davidic Dynasty. The intended support for the Samuel reading above is clear.
Reading II Rm 4:13, 16-18, 22
In this address to the Romans, St. Paul reconciles Jewish History as it applies to gentiles. By defining God’s people as the descendants of Abraham, he includes all peoples in the inheritance of Christ. This reconciliation is through faith not the Law of Moses and not simply heritage.
Gospel Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a
This section of the Nativity Narrative from St. Matthew’s Gospel tells the story of Joseph’s dilemma. He is required by Mosaic Law to file a petition of divorce in front of witnesses. He has resigned himself to this course of action when he has a dream in which an angel came to him and told him of the origins of the child Mary bore. For his part, Joseph accepted the message and did as the Lord commanded.
Or Lk 2:41-51a
From the Gospel of St. Luke we have the story of Jesus in the Temple. It is significant from a number of perspectives. First the story breaks the scriptural silence regarding the “lost years” of Jesus’ growth from infancy to adulthood. This story says Jesus is twelve, that would be the time when he would have celebrated his bar miswah, he would have been considered a man.
This story is at odds with the Apocryphal Gospels (such as the Gospel of St. Thomas) that attributed to Jesus many miracles during his early years, this story paints his childhood as fairly normal, the implication based on Joseph and Mary’s reaction is that they, at this point, do not completely understand their son’s mission.
With reference to St. Joseph, this passage is the first time God is identified as the Father of Jesus, not Joseph. It is also the last time in scripture he is referenced. He do, however receive a great tribute as the Lord Jesus returns home with him and is obedient to him.
Reflection:
The options for the Gospel readings give us both ends of Joseph’s involvement in the life of Christ and two different images to ponder. The dots are all connected in terms of salvation history tumbling down from Abraham to David to Joseph. We are all part of the drama that unfolds as the Messiah is born and raised by earthly parents as true man, born of woman.
Of all the roles played by God’s instruction in Christ’s life, St. Joseph is least mentioned, but, like the cotter pin that holds together two great weights, his understated presence is critical to fulfilling the prophecy. He is, as we hear in Matthew of the line of David, he continues, through his foster son, Jesus the messianic promise.
His role for us is one of the person who, in spite of social pressure does the right thing, without fanfare, in all humility, he does what God asks. He is the faithful father who works in obscurity to provide for his family. His contribution to the whole may only be seen by inference. The son he helped to raise fulfilled His destiny, as bitter sweet as that was.
Today we end with the prayer of St. Joseph:
Almighty God, You entrusted to the faithful care of Joseph the beginnings of the mysteries of man's salvation. Through his intercession may Your Church always be faithful in her service so that Your designs will be fulfilled. Amen.
Pax
[1] The image presented today is “Joseph's Dream” by Gaetano Gandolfi, 1790
[2] After 04/07
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