Have you ever seen a statue of the “sleeping” Joseph? Pope Francis has one in his room. It was during sleep that God spoke to Joseph and told him how to handle crisis situations. During his visit to the United States, Pope Francis confided to a group of priests, that when he needs special advice he always has a talk with his “friend,” St. Joseph.
We live in an age of crises. What seems stable to us today, collapses tomorrow. What better decision can we make than to develop a close relationship with that great “crisis manager,” St. Joseph? He heard from God and then acted with confidence. He will teach us to do the same.
Today we celebrate his feast day. The gospel passage (Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24) recounts one of Joseph’s greatest crises and how he resolved it.
“When his (Jesus) mother was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame decided to divorce her quietly.”
It is hard for us to imagine how this sudden news of Mary’s pregnancy tore the heart of Joseph. A holy man betrothed to a holy woman faces a crisis that he could never have expected. Being a holy man grounded in his religious tradition, Joseph knew the course of action expected of him by God. And, yet, Joseph was more than a righteous man; he was a man who had the heart of God. He was ruled by compassion, and so planned to divorce Mary in a way that would cause her the least harm.
“Such 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.’”
The plan of God broke through the confines of tradition, and Joseph was told, in effect, to break the Law and take Mary as his wife. Such a decision would merit the disapproval of his religious community, yet keep him aligned with the perfect will of God. Joseph was told not to be afraid of the consequences of this decision.
“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.”
Joseph confidently obeyed. We don’t know the price he paid as a result.
What prepared Joseph for this moment was his lifelong habit of seeking God’s will above all else. Jesus, tutored by Joseph, followed his mentor’s example; in the garden when he prayed, “Not my will but thine be done.”
More crises loomed ahead: the trip to Bethlehem when Mary was ready to give birth, the unavailability of lodging there, the unexpected flight to Egypt, the loss of Jesus in the Temple. Through it all Joseph remained at peace, and was willing to do the unconventional at the prompting of God’s voice.
As we try to find our ways through this age of crises, let us learn from St Joseph, how to maintain our peace and, when necessary, to make decisions that go against the expectations of others—even members of our own families. Let us receive from the Holy Spirit clarity of mind and courage of heart to make decisions that line up with the Father’s will.
“Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations” (Ps 89:5).
St. Joseph, Pray for us.
