March 20th

March 20, 2023
Monday of the 4 th Week of Lent
SOLEMNITY OF SAINT JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Readings: 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16/Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22/Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-
51a (543)
Julian Ohizu: Campus Minister
It is the solemnity of St. Joseph, the Blessed Virgin Mary's husband, today. As
March 19 was the Fourth Sunday of Lent, the solemnity was shifted to today, March 20,
instead of the customary March 19. It is strange that the scriptures only give us a brief
glimpse of this Saint Joseph. Only a few verses from Matthew and Luke's Gospels, and
that's about all. Nonetheless, there is much to be learned from our contemplation
of these texts and the other readings from today. We read about God's commitment to
carrying on David's lineage in the first reading from   2 Samuel chapter 7. A descendent
who will have a special bond with God and govern God's people will come from that
line. Joseph descended from the house of David. Jesus, the One genuinely cherished by
God the Father, was added to the line by Joseph as the child of his wife.
In discussing the promise given to David that his reign would be established for
all generations and that one of his descendants would refer to God as "My Father,"
signifying a strong bond, Psalm 89 echoes this similar subject. In the text from his
epistle to the Romans, St. Paul discusses Abraham's faith and how through Abraham
and his descendants, all people will be blessed. St. Joseph was known for having a
strong sense of faith. In addition to being a biological relative of Abraham, he was also,
and perhaps more significantly, a person of faith in Abraham. Joseph is made just
righteous by his faith, just as Abraham's faith was credited to him as justice. The Gospel
refers to him as "just".   St. Joseph's life was characterized by justice. He acted in a way
that, in his opinion, was more than merely fair. Even knowing he was not the father of
Mary's child; he was prepared to take her as his wife while she was still pregnant. In the
final days before giving delivery, he went with Mary. During the challenging hours of
giving birth in a stable, Joseph guarded the child Jesus and His mother. St.  Joseph
transported the family to Egypt as instructed by God in dreams in order to protect them
from danger. Joseph expressed his concern for Jesus after Jesus spent three days in
Jerusalem without his knowledge or Mary's knowledge. Because of his confidence in
God and his sense of justice, Joseph overcame many obstacles in his life while
continuing to believe in God's plan. He also did all in his power to provide a secure
atmosphere for Mary and Jesus.
Joseph is a role model because of his faith, which enables him to live as someone
who is "just" in God's sight. He has faith in God and knows that He is in charge. While
he finds it difficult, he manages to deal with all that is going on in his life. He
recognizes Jesus' uniqueness and is eager to fulfill his mission for Jesus and Mary. He

has a powerful, reserved demeanor. In a different man, my father, I've seen the figure of
Saint. Joseph. While he wasn't called Joseph, my father was the one in the background
who supported the family and performed what was requested of him. He showed
affection to everyone who entered his home or the home he was living in, not only his
family. My dad was a man of faith who toiled and strived to fulfill God's purpose, even
when circumstances did not appear to be going according to the usual course of events.
 The challenge I see for myself in all the texts on this Solemnity of Saint. Joseph
is how can I strengthen my faith. Faith is considerably more than just agreeing with a
series of propositions on an intellectual level. Faith is a connection with Jesus, His
Father, in the oneness of the Holy Spirit. Joseph's decision to care for Mary and the
child she would bear was motivated by faith. For Joseph, having faith meant submitting
to God's will despite its seeming incomprehensibility. Joseph's connection with Mary,
Jesus, and God the Father was strengthened by his faith. St. Joseph’s faith and trust in
God brought him to justice and let him experience healing, and salvation which God
was extending to him in and through his Care of Jesus. 
St. Joseph gave the gifts that God had given him a sincere response. In like
manner, I’m required to exercise the same kind of faith that Joseph did as I walk in and
by it.  I don't know about you. There are moments when I fail to understand why certain
things occur. Next, I must put my confidence in God and work to do whatever task I feel
God is calling me to. When things aren't going my way, I always attempt to lift my eyes
to God. I'm called to put my trust in my relationship with God and stay away from
distractions in the hope that my faith and focus in God will sustain me through difficult
times. And in the end, I shall experience the redemption and love that God provides me
in and through Jesus Christ if I am prepared to believe that God is at work in my life.
When all is said and done, I will be able to stand before Jesus on the cross and know
that I have been healed and saved—not because of myself or what I am, but rather
because of my connection with the One who has rescued me—along with everyone else
who has placed their confidence in Him.
I want us to think about how we react to God when we encounter difficulties that
appear to be beyond our capacity and understanding. Whom has God given to my care,
and how can I take care of those people while relying on God to lead me in carrying out
the will of the Lord Jesus? Who is the Joseph in your life, the one who leads and directs
you? Do you recognize what their roles are in your life?