Daily Gospel Reflection for March 19, 2021 - Saint Joseph

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Solemnity of Saint Joseph - Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Happy Feast of Saint Joseph! Saint Joseph is the strong, quiet man of the Gospel. He never speaks a word, but he is a noble presence, the leader of the earthly Holy Family. Just as Mary was chosen before birth to be the mother of Jesus, Saint Joseph was also chosen. Like Mary, who had to offer her Fiat for the Word to become flesh within her, St. Joseph also had free will. He could choose whether to answer God’s call or not. How different the story of Jesus might have been if Joseph had opted out of God’s plan.

It is easy to empathize with Joseph in today’s Gospel. He was betrothed to a woman. She then reveals (or perhaps one of her parents told him) that she is with child. One can only imagine how challenging that conversation must have been, especially if whomever was involved starting speaking about angels and the promised Messiah. It must have been an overwhelming experience for Joseph.

Still, he wants to do the right thing. He doesn’t wish for Mary to be publicly humiliated or stoned. He plans to divorce her quietly. But first, he goes to sleep and receives a message in a dream. Even more impressive, he obeys the message without question. May we all imitate Saint Joseph’s trust and obedience to God.

Ponder:

How can you be a better shepherd to your children today?

Pray:

Dear God, please help me to imitate Saint Joseph and to always do what You ask me to do.

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May we all imitate St. Joseph’s trust and obedience to God. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur