We have heard and read that we never hear a word from St. Joseph in the Bible. Many scholars tried to look into but found nothing. For indeed, is he a man of great silence. Obviously! How could a man remain so silent though we hear of man being of few words in contrast to the woman! No discussion nor clearing of doubts. An absolute Amen!
The man almost in his eighties was like a father to a fourteen-year-old maiden. He was betrothed to Mary. After the engagement, he learns about the pregnancy. Having realised that Mary is with the child, he silently tries to do the needful because he was a just man and knew the consequence if known to the public. He observed the religious law as we know that he went to Jerusalem for the Jewish festivals. One fine day the angel declares to him to take Mary as his wife for the child in her womb is conceived by the Holy Spirit.
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Interestingly, he never said anything in response, though it was a dream, he could have had a colloquy in his dream but no, obedience is another hallmark outstanding in this dream.
He was a man of action. He listens to the dreams and follows the instructions in a given situation. He takes Mary as his wife. He fulfils his responsibility as husband and father of the would-be child, as he goes for the census to Bethlehem. Finds a place to stay for the night; then in the middle of the night he takes his family to Egypt. And once again he comes back to Nazareth. A man of action and not a man of words!
Because of this silence, he was able to hear God’s voice and discern his will for the Holy Family. In an age of noise and many words, Joseph reminds us that if we wish to hear God’s voice, we must quiet our hearts, enter into silence and this lockdown is an optune time!
St. Joseph is a man of deep prayer. This is revealed in his belief to the angel’s message. He is a man of self-control and understanding. A husband to Mary yet, understands the plan of God and respects Mary’s chastity. For, a husband to consummate the marriage is his right but is called to remain chaste being faithful to one and only one sacramental wife.
He was a carpenter and when Jesus was young he involved him in his ministry. Simple things to lift the chair, the hammer, and the nails or to hold one end of the wooden piece. He is inviting to get the children involved in family chores. For that matter, teach them to wash their own plates. To clean and sweep the house be they boys or girls. When they wake-up, to make their bed, these days get the general cleaning done!.
As head of the family he saw to the finance and other support he needed to strengthen his family. He knew he could never compete with his wife and son knowing their sanctity yet, with humility he shouldered the responsibility entrusted to him. He found true peace and joy in what he did, though he could not give them luxury but a decent living!
Today St Joseph reminds/invites us as a care taker, a father, a perfect husband, a worker, to be just, responsible and dedicated to the given task.
