Homily Feast of St. Joseph (Mt. 1:16, 18-21, 24) “Opportunity or Liability”
Homily Feast of St. Joseph (Mt. 1:16, 18-21, 24) “Opportunity or Liability”
In December of 2020 Pope Francis declared that 2021 would be the year of St. Joseph. 150 years ago, Pope Pius IX declared St. Joseph to be the patron of the universal church. We could say he is the protector of the church as he was the protector of the Holy Family.
The life of St. Joseph reminds us that sometimes we need to take adverse situations and turn them into possibilities. Few men would have been gracious about the news that their fiancé was pregnant before marriage, especially, when they were not the father of the child.
We realize that many men have not fulfilled their responsibilities as fathers. Many men today do not want to marry their partners even if they have children with them. Men dodge their moral and legal responsibilities. Many women share heartbreaking stories about lack of child support even after legal divorce.
How do children fair in life if their father does not want to claim them? How well do they mature if there is not a male role model in their life? The answer, of course, is not very well. Children feel more secure if they have a nurturing father figure.
I know that I had several men in my life who helped me to mature in a healthy manner. My own father was one, but there were other men who I felt comfortable around who taught me what it meant to be a responsible adult. They were not afraid to call me to task if I headed in the wrong direction.
Joseph was able to take a problem (Mary’s surprise pregnancy) and turn that into something positive. He gained a son who loved him. Jospeh mentored him and showed him what it meant to be a man of faith. We can bet that lessons Joseph taught Jesus in his religious upbringing were lessons that Jesus passed on in his preaching.
Reflection Questions:
- Who were the male role models that shaped my life? What did each one teach me?
- Has a disappointment been turned into a grace in my life? When and how did that happen?
Dear Parishioners,
We have some items that are in the old rectory that might be of interest to someone. We have a black fireplace tool set. We also have some old dining room chairs that are available. There are some end tables that we would give to someone. The refrigerator has not been spoken for. Just give our office a call and we will connect you with someone who will let you see these items.
This weekend our RCIA candidates will go through their third scrutiny. The rites those seeking initiation in the church celebrate remind us of preparation we should be doing for Easter. Are we trying to let go of bad habits? Are we trying to grow in holiness?
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark