Word to the Wise
Monday, March 19, 2012 -
[2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a OR Luke 2:41-51a]Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. [Matt.]
All that we know about St. Joseph is contained in the "infancy narratives" of the gospels of Matthew and Luke. It could all be summed up in the thoughts that he was descended from David, he was married to Mary, and he was a righteous man. However, that would eliminate an incredible world of meaning that springs from those three scriptural facts. There is, first of all, the fact that he was part of the incredible plan of God for salvation, beginning from Abraham (in Matthew) or Adam (Luke)! This plan would demand a great deal of faith and sensitivity of him, as the story in Matthew today tells us. (He had his own annunciation story!) His own "yes," is as powerful as Mary's in many ways!
Those simple, yet profound, biblical facts have led to incredible acts of devotion on the part of those who find him a special patron. The devotion of a simple Holy Cross brother, Bl. Andre Besset, in Montreal, led to the construction of the enormous basilica dedicated to him. The Little Sisters of the Poor will gladly tell the stories of placing a slip of paper under the statue of St. Joseph in times of dire need and receiving the requested item just in time! It would take too long to list all the various groups and causes for which he serves as the "patron saint." All of this springs from his very simple status as a descendant of David, his marriage to Mary, and his righteousness as a human person! Perhaps it is just that simple story of him that appeals to so many. He might make a very good spiritual companion on the Lenten road (and after as well)! AMEN
config
view
logs
4096.0 KB
75 ms
4
