Mary Ihli, Cojourner
Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born, Jesus, who is called “The Christ”.
This seems pretty matter of fact and straight forward. This family was anything but ordinary. Both Mary and Joseph were given roles that without their cooperation would have crushed the possibility of salvation for you and me. I will speak of Joseph because today is his feast day as “Spouse of Mary”.
Joseph took Mary as his wife knowing of her pregnancy and knowing the child was not his. Joseph was a humble carpenter, this act went against all he believed and had been taught was moral. The divine dream must have been so powerful that it allowed him to believe that God was playing a major role in his marriage. This belief allowed him to say yes to God.
What FAITH to believe the dream. What HOPE to minister to Mary through her pregnancy? What LOVE to sacrifice his entire life for his wife and son.
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, teach us Faith in adversity, teach us hope in Jesus, and teach us to abandon our needs for the love of our family. Amen