Joseph,
the husband of Mary. He is a quiet figure in the Gospel, yet not without deep
purpose. He could have chosen many different options after learning of Mary’s
pregnancy. He still could have chosen many options after seeing the angel in
his dream. He must have had plans of his own after becoming betrothed to Mary.
There must have been some confusion running through his heart and mind after
Mary returned from visiting Elizabeth several months pregnant.
Yet
through all of this, Joseph did not react on his emotions or his own will. Instead,
he fully and immediately responded to God’s will for him. Without comment,
without question, without complaint, without hesitation. He fully trusted
without much understanding of the mystery that lay before him. How often in our
lives are we so filled with fears, doubts, worries, anxieties when situations
arise in our own lives that seem to make little or no sense. We ask God, “Why
me?” or just “Why?” Yet perhaps, God has an invitation there for us.
With
a heart of great tenderness, Joseph listened to God in his dreams, in his capacity
for concern, for compassion, for genuine openness to others, for love. He is
not afraid of goodness, of tenderness. Despite our inability to understand, our
struggle to trust, our resistance to let go of our plans, “we must not be afraid
of goodness, of tenderness!” This tenderness in our heart will lead us to greater trust
and unfold God’s plans for our lives.
Let
us continue to pray for Pope Francis at his request, that the Holy Spirit may
accompany his Petrine ministry and bless him with a heart as tender as St
Joseph’s.
Lord, help me to trust
in Your plans for me, to have faith in knowing that You know best, even and
especially when I myself cannot fully understand.
Adapted
from a reflection by Quyen Nhi Ngo and Pope Francis’ homily today
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