Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary

Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.  Matthew 1:20

Today we celebrate Joseph, the Earthly father of Jesus. He was a brave man. Here is his fiance, a virgin, who is all of a sudden pregnant before their wedding. Then, in a dream, he is spoken to by an angel who says he is to become the father of child who will become the Savior of the world! Talk about being overwhelmed!! This was a lot for poor Joseph to have to swallow. But he heeded the angels words. "When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife (Mary) into his home." (Mt 1:24, NAB).

And then there is Mary. This young girl who is engaged to a carpenter, being chosen by God to bear His holy child! How was she going to tell Joseph? And would he even believe her!?!? Would he still love her and want to marry her? I can't even begin to imagine how Mary must've felt. 

Todays readings are a story of hope and faith. Trusting that God knows what He's doing. To have hope in knowing that God is bringing us through whatever it is that we may be struggling with. To be strong, to wake up every day and know that whatever it is we may encounter during our day, we are not doing it alone. Remember Joseph and Mary and the awesome responsibility thrust upon them. Kind of makes whatever it is we are going through seem not so bad. It puts everything in a whole new perspective. 

Today, pray for God's guidance in your life. Give Him your burdens. Pray to Joseph. Pray to Mary. Be reminded of what they did. And remember Jesus, who suffered and died for us. As always folks, be a nice human. 

Father Bill has some interesting facts about Joseph. Have a listen to what he has to say about today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FXuNN9HroI  **Remember, you have to copy and paste link into your browser.**

Image: "The Dream of St. Joseph", Anton Raphael Mengs (1773/1774)