Thinking About Joseph

I see Joseph as the strong, silent type. He was a man of great faith, faith that moved quickly into decisive action. Betrothed to Mary, he was stunned to discover that she was pregnant. His innate kindness and protectiveness as well as his belief in her goodness kept him from condemning her, and yet...what was he to think? Then came an angel who spoke to him in a dream. "Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that she has conceived this child." - Matthew 1:20. But do you believe your dreams, even if they seem to bring you an angel? Joseph’s faith overcame his deep doubt, and he moved to action: he took Mary as his wife.

His troubles had just begun. There was the journey to Bethlehem, the problem of finding a place to stay, the long trek home – and then the order to take the child and his mother and flee! "Be there until I shall tell you." - Matthew 2:13. Faith followed by decisive action: no questions, no discussion, no waiting for a better time. That was Joseph.

And of course there were other moments: the Presentation, the losing then finding of the twelve-year-old. Joseph, always in the background, loving, protecting, supporting his wife and child. And doing what we might call the pre-work, the preparation for the life and death that would bring about our salvation.

The best way to get to know a strong, silent man is to spend some silent time with him. This March may be the right time to sit quietly with Joseph and contemplate his life of faith and his willingness to move that faith into action. Then go and do likewise.

By Mary Buckley CSJ