Gospel: March 19, 2025
March 19, 2025 (Wednesday)
Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary
Psalter: Proper / (White)
Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 & 29
The son of David will live forever.
1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16
2nd Reading: Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22
Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a (or Luke 2:41-51a)
Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and from her came Jesus who is called the Christ the Messiah. This is how Jesus Christ was born: Mary his mother had been given to Joseph in marriage, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
Then Joseph, her husband, made plans to divorce her in all secrecy. He was an upright man, and in no way did he want to disgrace her. While he was pondering over this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She has conceived by the Holy Spirit, and now she will bear a son. You shall call him ‘Jesus’ for he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph awoke, he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do, and he took his wife to his home.
Reflection
“Joseph is attuned to God’s ways.”
Given that there are no words of Saint Joseph recorded in the Scriptures, our reflections naturally focus on his actions. These show him to be a reflective, righteous and humble man who seeks to do God’s will in his daily life. Joseph is attuned to God’s ways, day and night. Even when he sleeps, he is pondering (Ps 63:6), and this directs his action. As such, he is a model for us in his active charity, in his loving care of Mary and Jesus, in all his efforts to keep them safe and supported. That love was never smothered by envy at not being center stage. Joseph had his part to play in God’s plan of salvation—it was necessary even though it was not as great a role as Our Lady. This is a lesson for all of us. We all have a part to play in God’s plan of salvation. As members of the Church, we are all called to be instruments of Christ’s peace and salvation in the world. Our role may be simple and unremarkable, but it’s still essential. To have served one person is to have served Christ, and each act of service is precious.
