The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invite us to live in faith, obedience, and surrender to the Will of God as prompted by the Spirit.
Obedience and Surrender
The reading from the Second Book of Samuel is the promise to David in the Oracle of Nathan.
* [7:8–16] The message Nathan delivers to David, called the Dynastic Oracle, is prompted by David’s intention to build a house (i.e., a temple) for the Lord, like David’s own house (i.e., palace) of cedar. David is told, in effect, not to bother building a house for the Lord; rather, the Lord will make a house for him—a dynasty, the House of David. Not only will he have descendants (v. 12) who will sit upon the throne of Israel (v. 13), their rule will last forever (vv. 13, 16); and even if they transgress the Lord’s commands, the line of David will never be removed from kingship as Saul was (cf. 1 Sm 13; 15). The oracle establishes the Davidic king as standing in relationship to the Lord as a son to a father (v. 14; cf. Ps 2:7; 89:27). The Dynastic Oracle, with cognate texts in the Scriptures, is the basis for Jewish expectations of an anointed king (1 Sm 12:3, 5), son of David (Mt 21:9); cf. Acts 2:30; Heb 1:5.1
Psalm 89 praises God’s Covenant with David.
* [89:3–5] David’s dynasty is to be as long-lasting as the heavens, a statement reinforced by using the same verbs (establish, stand) both of the divine love and loyalty and of the Davidic dynasty and throne, cf. Ps 89:29–30.2
The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans proclaims God’s Promise realized through Faith.
* [4:1–25] This is an expanded treatment of the significance of Abraham’s faith, which Paul discusses in Gal 3:6–18; see notes there.3
The Gospel of Matthew defines Joseph’s righteousness in the Birth of Jesus the Messiah.
* [1:18–25] This first story of the infancy narrative spells out what is summarily indicated in Mt 1:16. The virginal conception of Jesus is the work of the Spirit of God. Joseph’s decision to divorce Mary is overcome by the heavenly command that he take her into his home and accept the child as his own. The natural genealogical line is broken but the promises to David are fulfilled; through Joseph’s adoption the child belongs to the family of David. Matthew sees the virginal conception as the fulfillment of Is 7:14.4
The alternate reading from the Gospel of Luke relates Mary and Joseph finding the boy Jesus in the Temple.
* [2:49] I must be in my Father’s house: this phrase can also be translated, “I must be about my Father’s work.” In either translation, Jesus refers to God as his Father. His divine sonship, and his obedience to his heavenly Father’s will, take precedence over his ties to his family.5
Steve Scholer imagines what it must be like for God our Father, who is constantly watching over each and every one of us and seeing us, too, getting lost.
Lost in how we live our lives as Catholics, lost in how we share the Gospel with others, lost in how we share God’s love with others. What a source of worry we must be for God. Yet, like the parent who finds their missing child, the first words God speaks to us are not words of anger, but words of love and joy when we turn back to God in our thoughts, prayers and deeds. So, as we continue our Lenten journey, let each of us vow not to get lost in the endless distractions that cloud our Christ-like focus, lost in the noise that interrupts our prayers, or lost in our commitment to serve others. But rather, like the children we are, reach out and keep our hand extended, knowing that God’s hand is there waiting to hold it and safely guide us.6
Don Schwager quotes “The character of Joseph,” from a homily by Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153.
"Joseph's character and qualities can be deduced from the fact that God honored him with the title of father, and, although his doing so was a mere matter of convenience, this was what he was known as and believed to be. Joseph's own name, which as you know means "increase", supplies further indications. Call to mind the great patriarch of old who was sold into Egypt, and you will realize that it was not only his name that our saint received but also his chastity, innocence, and grace. His brothers' envy had caused the earlier Joseph to be sold and taken to Egypt, thus symbolizing the selling of Christ: the later Joseph carried Christ into Egypt, fleeing before Herod's envy... The first Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams: the second was given a revelation of the divine plan and a share in its accomplishment. Joseph the patriarch stored up grain, not for himself but for all the people: our Joseph was given custody of the living bread from heaven to keep safe both for himself and the whole world. There is no doubt that the Joseph to whom the Savior's mother was engaged was a good and faithful man. He was, I say, the wise and faithful steward whom the Lord appointed to support his mother and care for himself in childhood, singling him out for his complete reliability to help him with his momentous plan." (Hom. 2 super Missus est, 11.16: PL 183, 69-70)7
The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 comments that it may seem remarkable to us that Joseph was so quick to obey—especially since he was about to become the guardian of the Son of God! But it wasn’t just one dream that convinced Joseph to do the right thing. He didn’t suddenly become obedient in that one situation. He was “a righteous man” who had spent his life keeping the Torah (Matthew 1:19).Through a lifetime of ordinary obedience, his heart became set on obeying whatever God asked of him. How can we cultivate such a spirit of obedience?
As you follow Joseph’s example and keep at it, you’ll be much more apt to hear when the Lord wants to tell you something specific. And if you do feel God inviting you to do something specific, try to obey him. If it’s something difficult or unpleasant, your first response may be “No thanks!” But if you’ve been cultivating obedience in your ordinary duties, you’ll not only be better able to hear God’s voice, but you’ll also have the courage to respond positively. Above everything else, remember St. Joseph. Follow his example—and when you struggle with obedience, bring it to him as a powerful intercessor. “St. Joseph, most obedient, pray for us!”8
Friar Jude Winkler relates the establishment of a dynasty to rule in Israel. The promise to Abraham was based on faith. The action of Joseph after his dream experience redefined righteousness as compassion. Friar Jude reminds us that our surrender to the Will of God establishes our dignity.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces contemplative teacher and author Beverly Lanzetta, who encourages us to pray to the Divine Feminine, discovering and honoring the unique ways that female images of God have shaped us.
Reflect on your relationship to the Divine Feminine figures [such as Mary, Wisdom, Sophia, or Mother Earth]. . . . Consider ways in which culture has responded to the idea of God as Female. How has (if at all) the Divine Feminine and feminine energy been violated, shamed, abused, silenced, and/or ridiculed in you? As a female, as a male. Reflect on the ways that the feminine is celebrated in your culture. . . . Write a prayer or meditation to the Divine Mother or to any attribute of the divine nature that you find reflects the sacred feminine and ask (if you feel so called) to learn her way of compassion, mercy, and unconditional love. . . . Give yourself permission to see that the path of the Divine Feminine you follow is an immense liberation. By praying or meditating on this gift, you will break out of imposed constrictions or oppressions, and be able to celebrate your free expression.9
Our contemplative moments are opportunities for the Spirit to enlighten our understanding of the Will of God for our journey.
References
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