Breaking the Word

Solemnity of St. Joseph, Saturday – 19^th March 2022 – Matthew 1, 16.18-21

Priority of Vocation before Career

Joseph is addressed as son of Jacob, husband of Mary and son of David, which are referred only once in this passage and nowhere in the whole Gospel. Joseph, the righteous man, is introduced as ‘son of Jacob and husband of Mary’. As “son of Jacob”, Joseph wished to follow the law but out of love for Mary, chose to quietly divorce her, without public accusation, trail, punishment and shame. At this juncture, the angel evokes the messianic prophecies of the future king and addresses Joseph as “son of David”. This title, which is attributed to Jesus many times, is addressed also to his adoptive father Joseph. With this title, the angel teaches him to take the responsibility of legal paternity and to own up his royal heritage. As “son of David”, he takes Mary as wife, names his messianic child and passes on the David descent to Jesus. The revelation in his dream cut short one painful choice and presented him with the choice to cooperate with the inconceivable grace of God. Since he surrendered to fulfill God’s will, his life entered into the cosmic drama of God’s redemptive plan. He becomes a specially chosen one like Mary, for whenever the divine favour chooses someone to receive a special grace, or to accept a lofty vocation, God adorns the person chosen with all the gifts of the Spirit needed to fulfill the task at hand. Indeed, for Joseph God’s wish forcibly changes human plan, but never abandons, for it ever strengthens him with His grace.

2^nd week in Lent, Friday – 18^th March 2022 — Gospel: Mt 21,33-43.45-46

Prediction that Becomes True

Jesus tells a parable of a property owner who leases his land to tenants who attack and kill the owner’s servants and eventually the owner’s son. Jesus directs this story at the chief priests and leaders of the Jewish community. Thus, Jesus predicts that they will persecute him and yet the richness of God will be given to others despite what the religious leaders will do to Jesus.

This parable has all the parallels between Joseph and Jesus. Both were the favoured sons of their fathers. Both were despised by other members of their people. Both had visions of how they would lead others to a better life. Both had death plots planned against them. Both were sold by the people close to them for pieces of silver. Both were imprisoned because of false witnesses. Both gave hope to those who were oppressed. Both brought wholeness and life to others by being raised up to positions of glory. In many aspects, Joseph’s life points to that of Jesus. Out of what seemed like impossible conditions, Joseph brought salvation to his people. Jesus brought true spiritual salvation through his death and resurrection.