Being Saint Joseph – Reflection on Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24A
To unexpectedly be a father of a yet-to-be-born child, whom you know is not yours, takes a special kind of love. Think about this for a moment. Would you be able to do it? Can you see yourself being Saint Joseph? Wouldn’t you have to be filled with righteousness and the grace and love of the Lord to do so? Maybe your feelings are lukewarm to any of these questions. But think about the glorious “Yes(s)” of new fathers in this situation occurring every day worldwide. Would hearing and seeing the news media announcing these “Good News” interventions fill you with joy? I, for one, believe that we can include these situations, even if unknown, in our prayers. Lord, bless these men and women, including those who suddenly become the primary caregivers for children. We lift our hearts to you, asking for Your help to find ways to have children grow up knowing the love of a family. Amen.
The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24A – Scripture*
16Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.
18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24A Reflection – Being Saint Joseph.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 1 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.