Faithful to the end
LENT 2020 – Day 23
Readings: 2 Sam 7: 4-5a; Ps 89: 2-3,4-5,27,29; Mt 1: 16, 18-21, 24a
God promised Abraham that his descendants would be like the stars of the sky and “inherit the world”. Some fourteen generations later God spoke in similar fashion to David: He promised through faith that He would raise up his kingdom and build a dynasty that would last for ever. He only commanded David to build a house for Him.
What a great honour and privilege to be chosen by God Himself. Way down in David’s patrilineage was Joseph, the father of Jesus, who believed in hope and did what God told him to do. Chaste Joseph accepted the mystery of the birth of Jesus and “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him,” after God revealed His plan to him in a dream.
An honourable man at peace with himself, not only did Joseph sleep the sleep of the just, he undertook God’s plan in total obedience. This is the supreme motif of the three readings today – precisely half way through Lent – presenting us with a role model for all times.
Can we resolve to learn about Joseph and emulate him? He was man of supreme virtue, silent through the Scriptures, and the most forgotten Saint of all. He was chosen to be the foster father of Jesus. We can easily adopt him as our spiritual father, and expect paternal help and care in the ups and downs of life.
