Joseph, the Just Man

Homily for December 18

Today’s Gospel reading presents us with the person of Joseph who is confronted with questions of shame and honor. The potential for shame in both the life of Mary and the life of Joseph motivates his initial reaction to her situation. Mary would be shamed by the fact that she is with child while being betrothed to Joseph but not yet living with him. The potential for shame in his own life arises from the notion of accepting the child of another man. An angel visits him in a dream and assures him that shame is not an issue he needs to consider. Mary is with child through the intervention of the Holy Spirit. The angel goes on to inform him that he is to name the child, something that is the prerogative of the father in Jewish custom. The angel confirms all this by reminding Joseph of the ancient prophecy of Isaiah. Rather than the possibility of shame, Joseph is assured that God is bestowing a great honor upon him. Just man that he is, Joseph recognizes that true honor comes from God thus confirming the decision to take Mary into his home.

Joseph also displays great magnanimity in his decision, a virtue which is best described as a greatness of soul. It names that quality of a person who habitually seeks out true greatness – that person who strives forward to do the very best with his or her life and make the most of each day in it.

In addition, Joseph also is decisive in his decision. Upon waking from the dream, he acts immediately and did as the angel had asked him.

Honorable, magnanimous, and decisive – three virtues that anyone would welcome on a personal resume.

As I mentioned recently, justice is regarded as a relationship in the culture of the Middle East. It is a matter of recognizing who we are and who the other is so that we can act honorably. Jeremiah preaches today that Justice is the essential virtue to be found in the king who is promised. Joseph, the man who will care for the child of Mary’s womb will provide a wonderful example of justice for Jesus, an example that has made Joseph the man we turn to for protection and care. In the words of the prayer of Pope Francis, we ask Joseph “to show himself a father” who will “guide us on the path of life.