From Abraham and Sarah, to David and Bathsheba, and thence to Joseph and
Mary, perhaps two thousand years of covenant history -- an angel calling Joseph
to faithfulness to his betrothal covenant with Mary, an unwed mother, and Joseph
not the father -- this is a thread of love and obedience, not by perfect
artificial constructs but by all-too-human persons, in diverse times, places,
and situations.
Today our attention is drawn to St. Joseph, husband of Mary. He is a
carpenter, a skilled worker. He stands by Mary, brings her to Bethlehem, flees
with her and the Child into Egypt, and returns later with them to Nazareth,
where the Child Jesus grew "in wisdom and stature and in favor before God and
man," as Luke records.
His voice in the Gospels is not extensive, but his influence passes through
all time to the present day -- father, intercessor, protector, and patron. Today
let us call upon St. Joseph, and in his name remember the poor. Let us recall
his example of fatherhood -- how he stood by his covenant of betrothal with
Mary, how he protected her and cared for her, how he worked with his hands to
provide for his family. Let us ask for his intercession on the part of fathers
and families everywhere. Let us remind ourselves of his protection when we are
in need. And let us commit ourselves to him as our patron and protector. May we
share his faith in God's covenant, and may this be for us a strong source of
hope.
Prayer intentions today:
+ For all homeless families, especially those who are refugees, we pray to the Lord.+ For all fathers, that they will see in St. Joseph an example to emulate, we pray to the Lord.