Welcoming the Holy
Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.
By: Sister Donna Del Santo
Reading
Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a
Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary 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.
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.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
Reflection
In these Lenten days, how fortunate we are to celebrate some significant people in our Family Tree of Faith, St. Patrick and St. Joseph.
As a Sister of Saint Joseph, I am going to spend some time reflecting with St. Joseph. Yes, he is our patron, and he is also a model for all people to live a faith-filled life, and to listen to our dreams.
In the gospel of Matthew, Joseph does not speak at all, and he is mentioned only three times! In each instance it is an angel of God who visits Joseph in a dream to announce his role in the story of salvation history and the lives of Mary and Jesus.
Matthew tells us that Joseph, already engaged to Mary, is very aware of and focused on Mary’s pregnancy and the law of Moses that prescribes stoning for a woman suspected of adultery. One could only imagine how his heart was broken as his treasured thoughts of marriage and a future with Mary were shattered by her news. But Joseph’s forgiving nature ultimately chooses love and compassion over law: “Joseph her husband, an upright man, unwilling to expose her to the law, decided to divorce her quietly.”
This action of Joseph reveals what law alone cannot bestow: the unconditional mercy and compassion of God. In response, an angel of God visits Joseph in a dream and assures him, “Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. It is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived this child.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel had directed him.
And just like God had a dream for Joseph, God has dreams for each one of us. And so, as we continue our journey through Lent, let’s pray to St. Joseph. Let him guide us and help us open our hearts to God’s dreams for us. Let God speak to you in your dreams and then get up and do as the angel of the Lord directs you. God has a great plan for everyone, even for a simple carpenter, so don't hesitate!
Closing Prayer
Prayer to St. Joseph by Kathy Sherman, CSJ
Teach us to listen and not be afraid to trust as you did in God's promise.
Teach us to love courageously with a heart that is free and just.
Teach us to protect one another and all that belongs to God.
Teach us to dream a world where all are neighbors,
a vision illuminated by God's light.
Teach us to keep the Word of God close to our hearts,
and proclaim it in word and action.
Teach us to be gentle with power and strong in our tenderness.
Teach us to be for our children a living lesson of goddess and truth,
a blessing of hope for all generations.
