By Nameswar Baliar Singh csc –
Readings: 2 Sam 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a
Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary. Even though we have little information about St. Joseph, the carpenter in the Bible, he has left us with many extraordinary qualities and a distinct personality to imitate in our daily lives.
St. Joseph was a silent man who was just, obedient, loyal, honest, responsible, and faithful. He accepted challenges without complaint as a result of his obedience to God, and he took a pregnant Mary as his wife. He walked in God’s way, fulfilling the challenges that God assigned to him. He sacrificed his comfort and was always ready to listen to God’s words.
Though he did not understand the plan of God, he did God’s will rather than his own. He was not only the head of the Holy family, but also a perfect example for every parent in this world. His kindness, his generosity of heart, and his sacrifice made possible and helped Christ to be born into this world.
After accepting God’s word, he was confident in doing the will of God and continued to protect Mary and her son till the end of his life. Today, as we reflect on the personality of St. Joseph, we too are called to be like him, and faithfully follow the plan of God. The question is how many of us are ready to accept the plan of God? How many of us are ready to sacrifice our lives for others? Are we open enough to say, “Yes” to the commands of God? Are we ready to listen to him? If not, then let us learn from St. Joseph and be obedient and faithful in the responsibilities that God has entrusted to us. As God’s children, let us accept God’s invitation, completely surrender ourselves into his hands, and walk faithfully like St. Joseph.