Homily: Feast of St. Joseph

Feast of St. Joseph (Mt. 1:16ff) “Which Way is Right?”

In the infancy narratives of the Gospel of Matthew Joseph is at the center of most of the narrative. He is the one to whom is confronted with a choice. We read how he learns of Mary’s pregnancy. We are not told how this happens. Did Mary tell him? Did he hear about it from neighbors? Did he figure out something was amiss himself? We are left to wonder.

What was he feeling. Did he think Mary had been unfaithful to him? If he did, he must have been very hurt and angry. We can understand his temptation to walk away. But then he has a dream, a revelation from above. He is encouraged to finalize the marriage vows. He does this trusting in the Lord.

What does this say about St. Joseph. One thing it says that he was a very spiritual man. He was ready to pray before he made a choice. He was patient. He listened for the voice of the Lord to guide him in a very difficult moment.

Dreams are a part of spiritual life. When we have a dream, it is usually the subconscious bubbling up. Sometimes we describe our dreams as weird, but they usually reflect things that we are thinking about maybe we might say things that we are worried about.

Was Joseph dreaming about Mary and what he was going to do when the angel burst into his dream? This is very possible. Dreams can change our mind about something or very often they affirm a choice that we need to make.

Joseph wanted, above all wanted to do the right thing. We are told that he is a righteous man. He had a choice to follow the law or to react with compassion. Both choices could be labeled righteous choices. Joseph chose to react with empathy. And that tells us what kind of man he was.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Have I ever had a choice between following the rules or bending them out of kindness? When was that?

2.    Would I think less of Joseph if he had divorced Mary? Why?

 Dear Parishioners,

             The His Heart Our Hands program is progressing. We just received our first report. The results so far have been good. We will be collecting cards over the next few weeks. If you have not got your card in, please drop it in the mail or go to our website and sign up or place it in the collection. Our parish would benefit greatly if everyone could make a pledge to our offertory.

            Remember that the Alleman Ball is happening on Saturday night. I hope to see all of you there.

            May Our Lady of Peace pray for us.

            Fr. Mark