18 March 2021 · 2021-03 newsletter
We are probably aware that Pope Francis has called this year a year of St. Joseph, so I want to share a short reflection on St. Joseph and the Holy Family as a blue print for our living.
Joseph was from the House of David, so the prophecies could be fulfilled … the Messiah came from the House of David. Joseph too was chosen and had a specific mission in the work of redemption.
When reading about Joseph, I actually discovered there is more in the scriptures than I thought. In Matthew’s gospel we have:
Mt 1: 20-21, 23 An Angel appeared to Joseph in a dream…Was this his annunciation? “Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife”
Mt 2:13 -15 Again an Angel appeared to Joseph in a dream…”Take the child and his mother to Egypt” and then
Mt. 2: 19-23… For a third time an Angel appeared to Joseph as he slept, “Rise up, take the child and his mother to the land of Israel…then he took them back to Nazareth”
Here we see St. Joseph as the Protector of his wife and child. But also a Man of faith and listening.
In Luke’s gospel we also find Joseph in:
Luke 2: 22, 25… The presentation of Jesus in the temple … I wonder what Joseph thought when Simeon said to his wife, Mary, “A sword will pierce your own soul”. Did they discuss this on the way home or was he respectful and mindful of Mary’s special mission?
Luke 2: 42-43, 45-48…. The 12-year-old Jesus at the Passover feast. Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus for 3 days. Mary said to her Son, “Why did you do this to us?” Think about how much your FATHER (Joseph) and I have suffered”. This highlights to me the family relationship, Mary and Joseph as a couple, as parents and their shared relationship with their adolescent son.
Luke 2: 51-52… Jesus went home to Nazareth with his parents. “Jesus grew in wisdom and in age and in favour with God and Man”. Joseph and Mary continued to teach and educate their son and for sure Jesus and his parents had discussions and he taught his parents as they lived as a family.
In reflecting on these readings, Joseph came alive for me. He was by Mary’s side and supported his wife and son in their Missions, he listened and obeyed God and protected his wife and child. He provided for his family and he taught his son his trade of being a carpenter. He was a man of faith with a listening and with a trusting heart. He responded immediately to what the angel asked him to do and he followed the Law and Customs set down by his religion and culture. He was an upright and just man.
These accounts show us a little about the life of the Holy Family, they followed the laws and customs of the time, they struggled, and many obstacles were put in their path. Joseph served the Word of God and must have been a man of prayer to be attuned to the Angel’s directions in his dreams. He was also an obedient man, immediately following the Angel’s directions. He protected his wife and child in many situations.
So, the Holy family shows us family life is dictated by the norms and laws of our culture. The political climate can and does impact us, as does our religion. Outside forces affect a family unit. Persons within the family unit have their own vocation and mission and need space to grow and develop. Children need to discover their identity and parents need to let go and trust. It also shows within culture there are prescribed roles. Jesus (although God) had to abide by the times and customs. Jesus, although God, needed to submit….
The Holy Family was a home centred on Christ and doing the will of God. It was made up of three individuals who had a life of prayer and lived in obedience to their unique missions. They acted when it became apparent to them, what God was asking. Members within a household develop their own relationship with God but as a family they grow together to do God’s will.
In our Schoenstatt Spirituality we, like Joseph, are called to “take the child and his mother” into our homes, into the world and into our daily lives. To keep them safe and make them known in the world.
Michelle Davis
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