Today is the solemnity of St. Joseph; spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the earthly Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. St. Joseph who lived in the 1st century was from Nazareth, Galilee; a region of Palestine. St. Joseph comes from the bloodline of David in accordance with the promise of God that the Messiah of God would be a descendant of King David.

Pope Francis declared this year as the “Year of St. Joseph” (from 8 December 2020 to 8 December 2021). A new Apostolic Letter entitled “Patris corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”) Pope Francis described St. Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father, a father who is creatively courageous, a working father in the shadows. This letter also signified the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church.

The second reading explained the walk of faith that we are called to. When the surrounding was bleak; Abraham continued to trust in the ‘word’ of God. The promise of God was fulfilled in his life and he was called righteous. Our work alone would not make us righteous but the gift of faith that comes from God transforms us to walk by faith and not by sight. The icon we could follow is St. Joseph. With the annunciation of our Blessed Mother, the world of St. Joseph would have collapsed. But God strengthened his faith and he followed his dreams.

The Gospel proclamation speaks of the meaning of righteousness of St. Joseph. It is evident that his world crumbled, yet his virtuousness pushed him to abide by the law without any harm to his betrothed pregnant lady. His righteousness glistened out through his actions; firstly because of his faithfulness to God’s law and his caring and gentle ways towards the Virgin Mary and secondly his faithfulness to God and his obedience, sincerity and morality. Age to age God reigns in His people!