guardian

2 Samuel 7:4-16; Psalm 89 The son of David will live forever; Romans 4:13-22; Mt 1:16-24

Today we celebrate the solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of Mary. 

In Joseph's custody God entrusted his most precious treasures.  Joseph is the guardian of the mystery of redemption, he is the guardian of perfect love.  

Just as he stood watch over the Holy Family with his quiet resolve so he continues to watch over all of us.   Just has he watched over God's son and took care of him with great affection and devotion, so to he stands guard over all of God's children, adopted sons and daughters in Jesus.

Joseph displayed a great readiness of will in regard to what God ask; he responded positively to the word of God when communicated to him in that decisive moments, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife into your home..."

"And at that moment Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took his wife into his home."  Joseph displays a great obedience of faith, and obedience of faith that is necessary and thus he freely commits entirely to God and makes his life a oblation of self, a total gift at the service of the mystery of redemption. 

Joseph the quiet humble guardian with such magnanimous resolve displays great generosity of soul.  He who at first sought a way out, "deciding to divorce her quietly," in the end becomes a man of great faith.  His unreserved readiness to respond to God's call changed the history of the world.  

Joseph, though he sought a way out,  never was stubborn about his will but always open to God's.   It was this openness that enabled him to continually discern God's will even in a difficult situation, and to the point of embracing that difficulty and allowing it to become a source of grace. 

Joseph stands guard always and perpetually as one who sought to always be ready and willing to respond "yes" to God. 

Joseph's faith united with Mary's faith has stood the test of time and shows to all of us what a husband and wife are called to be as they live out their vocation in the gift married love.

Excerpt: St. Bernard of Siena

"Obviously, Christ does not now deny to Joseph that intimacy, reverence, and very high honor which he gave hi on earth, as son to his father.  Rather we must say that in heaven Christ completes and perfects all that he gave to Joseph at Nazareth."

The picture above is a sculpture of angel coming to Joseph in a dream.  It is located in Santa Maria della Vittoria, a beautiful church in the city of Rome.