Daily Reflections - March 19,2013

THE PROMISES OF GOD

 

Joseph, the husband of Mary, is often forgotten when we reflect on the life of Jesus, yet he played a major role in rearing the Child Jesus. We do not know what happened to him — whether he died at a young age or what. It certainly seems that he had passed away by the time Jesus began His ministry as he is not present in the Gospels except in the Infancy Narratives.

In the First Reading from 2 Samuel, we hear it affirmed that it will beGod who builds a house for David, not the other way around. God wants to help David realize that, mighty he may be, Israel is still dependent on God for its success. One of the great dangers of success in the eyes of the world is that a person can begin to think that he does not need God anymore. God does not want David walking down this trap.

It is also crucial that we do not forget our reliance on God. Joseph is a great example of this as he takes on a situation that would have been virtually impossible for him to explain to his family — the pregnant Mary, and how he cares for her and Jesus as if Jesus was his own child. Joseph’s selflessness is truly an inspiration. Rejected when asking for a place to stay in his hometown (I often wonder why he could not stay with his relatives), he does not despair and does what he can with a stable. Later, he has to flee to Egypt for a number of years to protect Jesus from the murderous hands of Herod. Finally, he teaches Jesus his carpentry trade. Joseph does all the things one would expect of a father.

It is important that we realize that we will all face imperfect situations in life and the best we can do will be to do precisely that — the best we can do. Let us seek the intercession of Joseph when we find ourselves in these situations. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: How often do you complain about the difficulties you face in life?

 

Holy Spirit, help me to be inspired by the example of Joseph’s obedience and surrender to God. Help me embrace my life as it is and seek to make it better little by little.