Joseph, Beloved Spouse of Mary

The term 'righteous,' is probably the most admirable of all of the descriptions for Joseph.  Here is a man, religious, pious, to be sure, who meet s the love of his life.  Upon finding out that she is pregnant, while the Law clearly give direction of the course of action to take, decides to divorce her quietly.  This same man is so centered that he ponders his dreams and makes a decision which is beyond the dictates of the law.  He does what is right because it is the right thing to do.

Evidently Joseph has a firm understanding of the covenant and the was of God.  Certainly here is a man that does not follow rules and regulations for their own sake but rather understands the foundation of mercy and justice to which the prophets keep calling us to.  To love God and others transforms our heart to make us more God-like, at least in principle.  To be sure this will be the invitation of Jesus Christ.  As he emptied himself to come in human form, we are to be filled with holiness to become more "Godly."

Conversion does not come easy.  Was it Catherine of Siena, who lamented in a time of trouble, that God had few friends, because of the harshness they endured.  For Joseph this role of 'foster father' would be wrought with pain and difficulty.  And it by giving an unconditional 'yes' to God, he would find himself in the middle of the plan of salvation.  There is a challenge there for us too.

Today we buried a brother priest.  A very young man in his middle thirties.  Originally from Mexico, Fr. Lorenzo embraced the priesthood with his heart, mind, and soul.  The Bishop fondly remembered his joyful disposition.  Hopefully the same can be recalled about us.