# Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
*2015-03-18*

> Bill Young reflects on the Feast of St. Joseph and the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting Joseph's humble fidelity in the birth of Jesus.

## The Birth of the Messiah

Today is the Feast Day of St. Joseph, falling on the Thursday of the fourth week of Lent. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read the account of the birth of Jesus. When Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.

## The Angel's Command

As Joseph resolved to dismiss her, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you will name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.' Upon waking, Joseph did as the angel commanded; he took Mary as his wife but had no marital relations with her until the son was born, and he named him Jesus.

## Emmanuel: God With Us

In the first chapter of Matthew, we see the coming of Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us.' This name sums up the significance of the story: the promise of salvation is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. From the beginning of this account to the final chapter, where Jesus says, 'I am with you always to the end of the age,' we find a complete statement of faith regarding the salvation found in God's presence through the Christ event.

## The Fidelity of St. Joseph

Today we celebrate Joseph, a humble man. While we know very little about him and he disappears from the narrative after playing his critical role early in the story, his example is profound. His fidelity, his openness to God's guidance in his dreams, and his willingness to surrender to God's will show us how one person's obedience can change the course of human events and bring the presence of God into the world.

*St. Joseph's humble surrender to God's will demonstrates how fidelity can help bring the presence of God into the world.*