Word to the Wise
Monday, March 20, 2017 - March 19 - St. Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
[2 Sam 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Luke 2:41-51a,1166]"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home." [Matthew]
The feast of St. Joseph was "bumped" to Monday this year by the third Sunday of Lent. I suspect that in places where he is a special patron, the folks will take advantage of the Sunday to do the non-liturgical celebrations. Devotion to him is universal, and that word is part of his title: "Universal Patron of the Church." The strength of that devotion can be seen in the huge Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal, Canada, that came from the simple efforts of St. Andre Besette, csc, a Holy Cross brother. The Little Sisters of the Poor are known for their devotion to St. Joseph through the practice of placing a note under his statue when they are in dire need. The custom of burying a statue of St. Joseph in a piece of property to help it sell is widespread. The list could go on and on.....
The scripture from Matthew gives us a hint about Joseph's importance in the bigger divine plan. He is a "son of David." The promise made to King David and recorded in the first scripture for today is for a descendant of David to continue God's kingdom. The early Christian community was keen to make that continuity known. Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise.
On a more "human" level, Joseph shows himself to be a just man, anxious to do the will of God [Matthew] and a good Jewish father [Luke]. Tradition accords him the title of patron of those who want a "happy death" because he would have been attended by Jesus and Mary! He is definitely an "all purpose" saint. AMEN
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