The Faithful Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings: 1st: 2 Sam 7:4-16; Ps: 88; 2nd: Rom 4.13-22; Gos: Lk 2:41-51
This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico & Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.
Today the church celebrates the solemnity of a great figure who played a very important role in the history of our salvation by being faithful to his call. He is for us, both a symbol and model of a true Christian father. We do not hear his voice anywhere where in the gospel. Yet, his impact and mission were great.
He was chosen by God to be the foster-father of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Spouse of Our Lady. All of our readings on this this solemnity draw our attention to the enduring nature of the covenant between God and His People.
Today’s first reading is about the Davidic covenant through which God made a promise of a dynasty to David his servant. Most importantly, this was to be fulfilled though his offspring. So, the mission of Joseph was a great one. He participated in salvific mission.
Today’s Gospels (Lk 2:41-51) tells us that Joseph was a “just” man. He gave everything for God’s mission. He gave Mary and Christ his life, his love, his tenderness and his time. He protected them with his strong arms. He was faithful till the end
Sant Joseph was a man with a very resilient spirit, and a firm faith in God. In spite of his difficult mission, he neither complained nor was distressed in the midst of trials and tribulations. He knew how to resolve the difficulties of life with internal calmness and serenity, he did this with complete faith and total submission to God’s will.
Saint Joseph is the patron of all Christian fathers, spouses, priests and seminarians. He is the patron of the universal Church. Above all, is the “Master of Interior Life.” Through his silent lifestyle he teaches us how to love God faithfully, and to love Christ and Our Lady tenderly.
Peace be with you all!
Maranatha!
frcanicenjoku 