Daily Reflection Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

 Although there is not much explicitly written about Joseph in the gospel, we do know his lineage from the Hebrew Scriptures. A distant descendant of King David, Joseph gives Jesus his royal lineage and comes from the town of Bethlehem as told by the prophets. I wanted to get a better understanding of the person of Joseph, so I took St. Ignatius’ advice of placing myself at the scene. I sat with Joseph to ascertain what transpired within him.

 

Judy: Joseph, you were engaged to Mary for quite a while and prepared to marry her, although you had not lived together. What went through your mind when she told you that she was pregnant?                         

 

Joseph: Well, I was emotionally confused at this startling news. I know that the Book of Deuteronomy lays down the law that if a woman becomes pregnant out of wedlock, she must be stoned to death. Mary and I have known each other for a long time. She is an energetic young woman with a joyous spirit. We had planned so much together. She had explained that what had happened to her was from God. My brain had a difficult time getting around that. I love Mary! I did not want the travesty of being stoned to death happen to her!

 

Judy: As you talk, I observe your painful experience of feeling hurt, as well as your anxiety of not knowing what to do. Did this worry consume you emotionally?

 

Joseph: At first, my feelings were very hurt, and I reeled in shock! So, I spent much time in prayer asking for the wisdom to make the right decision. I planned to keep Mary hidden, so that she could birth her son and live a private life. That decision pained me greatly.

 

Judy: Did you feel that God had abandoned you with such a difficult decision?

 

Joseph: At first, yes. But God spoke to my crying heart. With some kind of messenger God told me that Mary’s pregnancy was the work of God, that I was to be at peace with taking her for my wife. During and after my prayer time, I knew what God wanted of me. I rejoiced to know that all that had happened to Mary was from God! At the same time, I knew that the road ahead of us would be difficult. I needed to trust that Mary and I would make the right decisions about Jesus and our family life.



Judy: Thank you, Joseph. Now I must pray with your response to God!

 

“Joseph’s wise dealing with Mary is a model for us when we face complex moral and personal issues. He subordinated his feelings to what God required. He was open to whatever God wanted, and when he sensed the divine will, he obeyed.” –Bert Ghezzi, Voices of the Saints