JOSEPH WAS A MAN OF HONOUR

IV SUNDAY OF ADVENT - Matthew 1:18-24

The Gospels present two narratives of annunciation: one centred on Mary (Lk 1:26-38) and the other centred on Joseph (Mt 1:18-24). We may say that the Gospel of Matthew presents the birth of Jesus seen from Joseph's perspective. In the gospels, we are told very little about Joseph. He belonged to the house of David (Mt 1:20; Lk 1:27; 2:4) and he was living in Nazareth (Lk 2:4) and earning his living as a carpenter (Mt 13:55). Jesus was known as “the son of Joseph” (Jn 1:45; 6:42). He played his role as father and husband, protecting both the mother and the child when Herod threatened the baby Jesus’ life (Mt 1:13-15). And then he fell into obscurity as if he were present only when he was needed. His character is described in a simple but strong brush stroke: he was a "just man” or a “man of honour”. And his attitudes were determined by his righteousness. Having found out that Mary was pregnant, he was faced with a big dilemma. He was sure of one thing: the pregnancy was not his. Thus, filled with anger, jealousy and frustration, he could denounce Mary and have her punished for her supposed misbehaviour. If he did that, Mary would be stoned to death. However, he could not bring himself to such an outcome. He shivered at the thought of having his beloved’s blood on his hands. On the other hand, he could not see himself, accepting Mary as if nothing had happened. So the only solution that seemed reasonable to him was to disappear in secret, and all the blame would fall on him. He preferred this last solution, which was not a solution since he was running away from a very difficult situation. It was then that God came to his rescue, making it known to him that the promise of the Saviour was going to be fulfilled and that this fulfilment would pass through Mary: "She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.” Joseph was called to assume an important role in the life of the Messiah and he accepted it in all obedience and humility. And he did “what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.” He provided a loving, secure and stable home for Jesus, in such a way that Jesus came to be known as the “carpenter’s son” (Mt 13:55). Joseph accepted God’s ways and put himself at the service of His will.

Psalm 24 helps us to reflect on people like Joseph. Indeed “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Mt 5:8) 

Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord?

  Who shall stand in his holy place?

The man with clean hands and pure heart,

  who desires not worthless things.

Let the Lord enter! He is the king of glory.

He shall receive blessings from the Lord

  and reward from the God who saves him.

Such are the men who seek him,

  seek the face of the God of Jacob. (Psalm 24)