Homily: March 20, 2023 Monday, Solemnity of Saint Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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 From the first reading, “I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me.”

From the second reading, “I have made you father of many nations.”

And from the Gospel, “Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.”

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, not ‘St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus’. Yet today’s readings seem to focus on fatherhood, having descendants and heirs, being the head of many nations etc. Little is mentioned about being a husband, a spouse.

So why does the church celebrate St. Joseph’s role as the Spouse of Mary with readings about fatherhood?

We know for a fact that it is not possible for a man to have biological children without the woman, so no heir without the wife, no kingdom without the queen. From conception to birth, the woman bears the burden and delivers the joy. The man supports.

There was a couple with two little kids, who went to the clinic one day. The wife was not feeling well. When the doctor told them the results of the tests, instantly the husband fainted. The doctor had told them, “Congratulations. You are expecting twins.” We need strong men to support parenthood.

We can see how the fatherhood of men in the Bible would always involve a woman. Abraham had Sarah, Isaac had Rebecca, Jacob had Rachel, and now Joseph has Mary. God fulfils His promise of descendants and many nations to the early fathers through women who were also chosen by God.

For a man to be a father, he must first be a spouse. Joseph was a wonderful father because he was a wonderful spouse to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He supported, protected, honored and loved Mary, the mother of his savior. He guarded, nurtured, adored and loved Jesus, the son of his wife.

Fatherhood is an awesome vocation. Unfortunately, we see many men who are abusive, impatient, harsh or even evil towards their own children. Often, these fathers behave the same way towards their wives.

A good spouse to the mother of the child, will himself be a good father. God chose Joseph, a loving, just, gentle, life-giving, patient and a man of faith to be the spouse of Mary, knowing that his virtues will make him the perfect foster father to Jesus, His beloved Son.

On this day of solemnity, let us look to St. Joseph as our role model and for his intercession, to pray that the men in our families be graced and inspired to be loving, faithful, just and God-fearing spouses, and fathers.

Amen.


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