Matthew 1:20
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.”
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Your wife came to you one evening. She told you that she is 2-month pregnant. You were ecstatic and even jumped for joy.
Then, she said that you are not the Father, but some other guy. In fact, it was the Holy Spirit. What will you do? What will you think? Would you believe her? Would you say goodbye and leave her?
St. Joseph actually thought of leaving Mary at that time. Not because he felt cheated, but because “since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly”. During that time, a woman accused of adultery will be put to death by stoning. And here is his wife, pregnant, and no one has ever touched her in the first place.
Yet, he changed his mind, after a dream. He took Mary as his wife, took care of her and Jesus. They lived in Nazareth, where Jesus grew up strong in body and spirit and have been very obedient to His parents.
What a great privilege it was given to St. Joseph. He was a mere carpenter, and ordinary man. Yet, he was given the opportunity to be the earthly father of Jesus, calling him “Papa”, “Father”, “Tatay”, “Daddy”.
What a great privilege of being called “Papa” by no other than the Lord, himself. And all along, he remained humble. He remained obedient to the will of the Lord, letting Jesus grow in spirit, totally being under God’s love and glory.
Lord Jesus, I need your special care. Like your earthly father, Joseph, I want to do God's will, even if I may not always understand. Make me gentle and selfless in the care of my family and children; help me guide them in the toils and troubles, the happiness and wonders of this life.
“How could a father's task be done
Unless he remembered his children were created
By a loving, wise and merciful God.”
The son of David will live for ever.
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