Today's Reflections
Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24
16Jacob [became] the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.
18Now this is how the birth
of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to
Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child
through the holy Spirit. 19Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20Such
was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him
in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take
Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that
this child has been conceived in her. 21She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 24When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
Reflection:
BEFORE THEY LIVED TOGETHER.
Marriage, for the Jews, takes place in three stages. First is the
engagement. A professional matchmaker arranges the engagement between
the parents of the man and the parents of the woman. Second is the
betrothal. This is a formal exchange of consent between the couple
arranged to be married made before witnesses. It constitutes a legally
ratified marriage since it gives the young man rights over the girl.
But the wife continues to live at her family home for about a year.
Third is the marriage proper, celebrated with a wedding party. The man
now takes his wife home.
It is at the second stage of marriage
(betrothal) that Mary is found to be with child. Though the Mosaic Law
allows him to charge her with adultery, Joseph is unwilling to put or
expose Mary to shame, that is, to place Mary in a public trial to
determine her innocence or guilt. Joseph decides to divorce her
quietly. This is his frame of mind when he receives divine instructions
in a dream. Joseph submits himself to God’s plans. He dedicates his
life to the care of Mary and Jesus.
Ask the intercession of Saint Joseph
that you may love as fully as God wills you to love.
that you may love as fully as God wills you to love.
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