ST.
JOSEPH
Matthew
traces the genealogy of Jesus from Joseph and refers to him as the husband
of Mary. But he does not allow us to have misconceptions about Christ's
birth by immediately narrating the unusual manner in which Christ was born.
Mary, being
espoused or betrothed to Joseph, was living in the bridegroom's house for
her protection. It was the practice of the ancients. The practice being
such, Joseph was going to be very certain that nothing amiss could take
place. We, too, must live our lives in such a way so no one can attribute
wrongdoing to us.
Finding
Mary with child, he who should have been jealous and suspicious, he who
should have degraded her, in fact, cherished her. So convinced was he that
what was done was done by God. Though how it was done exactly, he was not
sure until confirmed, not explained, by the angel. So , instead of setting
her aside, he kept her with him after he was assured and he ministered to
her. St. Joseph said to himself, this was done by God, this was commanded by
God, this is all I know but this is sufficient.
Even
Matthew could not explain more than to say "it was of the Holy
Spirit." But how, in what manner, no one explained and neither should
we proceed any further nor require further explanations. We must simply ask,
is this God's work, is this God's command. We must ask nothing else. We
could, of course, ask many questions. But we must not inquire. Just receive
what is revealed and not be curious about what is kept secret.
Joseph,
being a just man. . .what is a just man? One who is virtuous in all things.
Joseph believed in Mary; he did not want her degraded or disgraced. There
was absolutely no jealousy or suspiciousness in him. He did not judge
rashly even in the presence of overwhelming evidence. Joseph was not willing
to grieve her.
Joseph,
faced with a divine occurrence, did not know what to do. To keep Mary was
transgression of the Law; to dismiss her was to degrade her. It was a
dilemma. Joseph does neither. He was already a recipient of graces for the
New Testament. He was going to do both. That was a little difficult,
wherewith an angel appeared to direct his decision.
Mary, on
her part, knew what happened; an angel had just explained what was to happen
to her. She could have explained everything to Joseph. She saw Joseph
suffering; she could have reassured him. But, no. She kept silent. She was
not quick to defend or explain herself. She let God do all the explaining.
Mary kept
her silence; the angels kept silent. Joseph must pass his test before he
received certitude.
If Mary
explained herself in defense, she could have provoked Joseph instead. For a
defense is an attempt to cloak guilt. But there was no guilt. So, there was
no need for defense. A defense from one under suspicion heightens the
suspicion. But obviously Mary did not defend herself because Joseph was not
suspecting her of anything. If she defended herself, then Joseph had reason
to suspect.
The angel
appeared to Mary before the conception of Jesus so that she may be fully
informed of what was to happen, thus, avoiding any perturbation. The angel
appeared to Joseph after the conception and, surely enough, Joseph was
disturbed. But he told no one, not even Mary. He humbly waited for God to
explain.
The angel appeared to Joseph, not as to Mary or Zacharias, or to the
shepherds; the angel appeared as in a dream. Joseph needed no vision. A
dream was enough. Mary needed a vision because what was asked of her was too
great.
In his
dream, the angel simply confirmed what he was thinking. .Joseph knew that
the dream was from God because it was a confirmation of what was in his
heart. It was an unquestionable sign; it was certainly from God.
The angel
assured Joseph in a few words: "Son of David," he spelled the
genealogy of Jesus. "Fear not," for Joseph was afraid to make a
decision contrary to God's will. Then the angel confirmed what Joseph was
planning to do and what Joseph was thinking. "Take her unto thee as
your wife," not as one given by her parents but as one given by
God; and not as a wife but as one dwelling with her. "Fear not,
because that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit." Joseph
believed because he had mastered the prophecies regarding the Messiah.
Then the
angel conferred on Joseph the role of father, "And you shall call Him
Jesus." And what will be the work of this Child? "For He shall
save His people from sin."
St. John
Chrysostom, Homily IV
(08-25-03)
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