4th Sunday - The Annunciation to "Yosef"

"Yosef, son of David, do not be afraid . . ." - Rembrandt

Is 7: 10-14

Rom 1: 1-7
Matthew 1: 18-24

We’re on the home stretch towards the joy of Christmas in this final Sunday of Advent. By now the signs of the season surround us and pre-Christmas parties have already been held or will be soon in this final week. No doubt you’ve received cards in the mail and have been reminded that you forgot to send one or two of them in return. Houses glow with colored lights. The long lines at the post office or UPS counters continue as you may be putting the rush on a package to arrive before next Friday.

These are the secular signs of the season and during these Advent weeks we have heard from significant Biblical figures who stand before us: Isaiah the Prophet, John the Baptist, the Angel Gabriel, Mary the Mother of Jesus, and this Sunday we see a man whose role was equally pivotal to the coming of Christ – Joseph the husband of Mary. A man whose words are not reported in the New Testament but whose role was essential for the coming of Jesus. These figures all rise, turn and face the same direction – towards Jesus.

However, the Christmas story is not all tinsel and bright lights. As events unfolded, they soon became controversial. Consider what Joseph this simple, silent but holy and righteous man was up against. Right from the beginning God asked much of “Yosef.” Youthful, perhaps in his 20’s. While this marriage may have been arranged, not unusual in the ancient world, it seems that Joseph had more than polite respect for the young Mary, who is around 15 or 16 yrs. old. They were betrothed, engaged to be married. Even in ancient times, that Jewish wedding was a celebration to go on for several days. Families are involved on both sides. Joseph didn’t have much but neither did Mary, yet their longing for the wedding day was on the horizon.

Then, the heartrending news arrived for Joseph. How did he hear? Whispers from others? From Mary herself? We don’t know but somehow he learned of Mary’s pregnancy and you can imagine the shock and disillusionment. This wasn’t his child! His heart must have been pained though his anger was likely contained. "An angel told you? That's a good one." He respected and trusted Mary but this was too much. He knew what she would face once it was found out by others because news traveled fast in the ancient world. The adulteress must be stoned – no scarlet letter for Mary to walk about in shame.

But, Sunday’s Gospel tells us much about Joseph – that he was “a righteous man, unwilling to expose her to shame . . .” How exceptional is that? He may be putting his own reputation on line. How can he save face for this young maiden who has betrayed him? For her family who would likely be marked by her irresponsible behavior? Such questions must have crossed this virtuous man’s mind as he pondered a solution to this unexpected problem.

The Scriptures do not tell us what Joseph said. More importantly, they tell us what he did. In Joseph’s case, his actions spoke louder than his words when a dream with an angel’s words gave Joseph a way out: “. . . For it is through the Holy Spirit this child has been conceived in her . . .” Now, what is he to do? Let’s assume Joseph learned about Mary’s pregnancy from Mary herself – the Angel confirmed her story. It was Joseph’s annunciation that changed his life forever. God offered this man a new direction.

He obeyed the messanger. He took Mary into his home as his wife. They were married though some may have wondered why the change in dates. He accepted the responsibility of helping Mary to raise Jesus as if he was his own child. He protected Mary from shame, ridicule, and disgrace. Later, he rushed to Egypt with his poor family, then to Nazareth where they made a home. Joseph taught Jesus his trade. He searched in Jerusalem with Mary in great fear for Jesus when he was lost at the age of 12. As husband and father, he formed Jesus in the ways of ancient Judaism along with his wife. Beyond those events we know almost nothing of Mary’s husband. But this is enough for us to see this righteous man as a silent giant during those “hidden years:” the childhood, adolescence, and young adult formation of this mysterious child born of Mary who was presumed to be Joseph’s natural son.

What a model he is for us of faithfulness in the face of adversity, obedience to a plan yet to be revealed, humility in thinking of others before himself. What an example he is to men who are husbands and fathers. St. Joseph is no incidental figure so in these final days it may be good for us to check our vocation and see where we stand in the virtues which Joseph displayed: humility, obedience, faithfulness, and faith as a married person, especially a husband and father; as a single person with time to give; as an ordained man in service to the people of God; as a consecrated religious whose life is given to prayer and the charism of witness to the Gospel.

St. Joseph, husband of Mary and patron of the Universal Church, righteous man, be our light in these final days as we embrace our responsibilities and do what God asks of us.