Joseph, Husband of the Virgin Mary and Guardian of Jesus, had a key role in our Lord's life. We honor St. Joseph's life on March 19th. This godly, spiritual man was appointed to be the Virgin Mary's husband and entrusted with the care of Jesus in his infancy and childhood. His fatherly love and care are clearly seen through his obedience and sacrifice.
Scripture tells us that Joseph and Mary were betrothed to be married when he discovered that she was pregnant. Betrothal was a religious and legal contract between two families, so this information had serious repercussions. However, Joseph was a just man and unwilling to shame Mary publicly, so he decided to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, God intervened…"behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:18-25) Joseph changed his plans, obeyed the word of the Lord and took Mary as his wife. Through his unselfish obedience he guarded the young Mary from public shame and scorn. He gave her a home, his protection and his love.
Before the baby was born, Joseph and Mary were required to go to Bethlehem for a government census. While they were in Bethlehem, Jesus was born and wise men from the east visited him with rich and royal gifts. This filled the ruling King Herod with jealousy and he set out to murder the newborn king. But an angel warned Joseph that Herod was going to seek the newborn baby and destroy him. The angel told Joseph to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt. Instead of returning to his hometown, he took his young family and trekked five to six days on foot to relocate to a new country. Joseph obeyed and protected the newborn King from a brutal death. (Matthew 2:1-15)
We can draw strength and inspiration from St. Joseph in all our relationships. Joseph, Husband of the Virgin Mary and Guardian of Jesus, selflessly gave up his own agenda again and again because his heart was open to God's direction. Let us be ever ready to obey–even if it is inconvenient. Through the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit we can guard others' reputations; we can protect the weak and vulnerable; and we can be willing to change our plans to obey God's will.
