Daily Gospel Reflection for March 19, 2025: Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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

Today's Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Not a word by Joseph was recorded in all of Scripture, and very little was written about his life, but what is penned in today’s Gospel is packed with faith, humility, and obedience. Joseph had free will to walk away, expose Mary, ignore the angel. The average man probably would have. But Joseph was extraordinary in his humility and obedience; his yes cannot be overemphasized.

For the 150th anniversary of Pope Pius IX’s proclamation of Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church in 2021, Pope Francis declared a special Year of St. Joseph. It was meant to draw attention to Joseph and to recognize that although he was mostly hidden, his impact on the world was immeasurable.

As moms, we know that value of a faithful father in our children’s lives or the struggles when there is the lack of a good father figure. Regardless of your circumstances, the same St. Joseph who cared for Jesus is there to intercede for us and our children. His work is never done.

For the year of St. Jospeh, I wrote a song based on the Holy Father’s Apostolic letter called "With a Father’s Heart." The refrain is:

With a father’s heart, you loved him through the hidden days and years.

Servant of the Incarnation, you believed, despite your fears.

With your prayers, obtain for us the grace we need to love through strive.

Blessed Joseph, be our father, guide on the path of life.

May this be our prayer as we honor St. Joseph.

Ponder:

Contemplate the many ways Joseph was humbly in the background and the impact he had on our salvation. Can we acknowledge that, even in our mundane responsibilities, we can make an impact on the people we love?

Pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of St. Joseph, and for entrusting Jesus and Mary to his protection so that Your plan for our salvation could come to fruition. We ask that You hear his prayers in our behalf, and help us to imitate him in trust, obedience, and humility.

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