Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 19 March 2024
Saint Joseph, Husband of the BV Mary, Solemnity
2 Sam 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16. Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22. Mt 1:16, 18:21, 24a
Son of David
Today we solemnise Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In European countries, the day is observed as ‘the Day of the Father.’
The one word or person that unites the first and the gospel readings is ‘David.’ The evangelist Matthew gives three descriptions or titles to Joseph.
(a) ‘Son of Jacob and Husband of Mary’
Matthew’s introduction of the character of Joseph answers two questions: ‘where he comes from,’ and ‘where he is going.’ In other words, ‘Son of Jacob’ refers to Joseph’s rootedness, while ‘Husband of Mary’ refers to his openness. The Roman god of time has two faces. One to look into the past, the other to look into the future. ‘Son of Jacob’ refers to Joseph’s past, and ‘Husband of Mary’ refers to his future.
(b) ‘Joseph was a righteous man’
The Greek word that is used here, dikaiousune, refers to righteousness that comes from obedience or faithfulness to the law. Joseph’s righteousness exceeds that of the law. He goes beyond the Mosaic law, which validated the stoning of the woman pregnant out of wedlock. Joseph’s righteousness is based on mercy.
(c) ‘Son of David’
The angel of the Lord that appeared to Joseph in a dream says, ‘Joseph, Son of David.’ Now, Joseph begins to understand everything. Till now, he was thinking that he was the ‘husband of Mary.’ Now opens the new vista. The title ‘Son of David’ is used at the beginning of the gospel (cf. Mt 1:1) to refer to Jesus. Joseph, the father of ‘Jesus the Son of David’, is called ‘Son of David.’
As Joseph knew about the Mosaic Law, he was well aware of the promise of the Lord to David. We hear about this promise in the first reading. God promised David that he would build him an everlasting house. When every Israelite was expecting this promise to be fulfilled, Joseph too had this expectation. His expectation was like that of Abraham – as we hear in the second reading: “He believed, hoping against hope, that he would become the father of many nations.” Joseph, through Jesus, becomes the ‘father of multitudes’.
Thus, Abraham, Jacob, the Old Testament Joseph, Moses, David merge into one focal point, viz., Joseph, Husband of Mary.
What are the lessons for us?
(a) Let us identify our rootedness and openness. At every stage of our lives, we stand in between two things. Joseph, who stands in between his plan and God’s plan, chooses God’s plan. It is important that we realise that we are always pulled between two poles; we need to discern.
(b) Our righteousness must depend on our relationship with God. When it depends on God, it will count not on one’s good works but on God’s mercy. We, who receive mercy from God, must show it to others, especially to those who are helpless. In the eyes of Joseph, Mary was helpless when seen in the light of Mosaic Law.
(c) We may have a goal or plan for our lives, but God has a purpose for us that is big, beautiful, and pleasing. Joseph, who awoke from sleep, sets aside his plan and embraces God’s purpose. This type of awakening is necessary for us. Moreover, Joseph responds to God’s purpose not through words but through action. From now on, he has to constantly set aside his plan and embrace that of God. Joseph will continue to respond through immediate action. Today we are beset with words. Let us reduce the words and improve the actions. Let us reduce smileys and increase smiles.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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