today's readings are 2 Samuel; Psalm 89; Romans 4; Matthew 1: 16, 18-21, 24a
"Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words". attributed to St. Francis of Assisi
I have always wondered if it was the example of St. Joseph, the stepfather of Jesus, that was the source of inspiration for the statement above that is widely attributed to St. Francis.
Today the universal church celebrates the solemnity of St. Joseph. This day is one in which we set aside the penitential aspects of the Lenten liturgy, such as the wearing of white instead of purple by the presider, and can savor the words of the Gloria in today's mass.
St. Matthew is the gospel writer who gives us most of our insights into St. Joseph. But interestingly, Matthew attributes not one word to Joseph. Joseph is the quiet man, but a man of action, and a man of faith.
St. Matthew draws lots of parallels between St. Joseph, and his namesake, Joseph the son of Jacob that we read about in the Book of Genesis. One important parallel is that both of them were blessed with dreams, the ability to interpret them, and the fortitude to act upon them. For example, St. Joseph listens to the dream in which he is instructed to take Mary as his wife. In a later dream, after the birth of Jesus, he is instructed to take Jesus and Mary and flee into Egypt. Many years later, in a dream he is told that it is safe to return home from the Holy Family's exile in Egypt. He hears, he ponders, and then he acts. His life was one of being very much in tune with the will of God. And he didn't need words to show it.
Among the many titles given to Joseph includes the Principal Patron saint of Canada, as well as being the patron saint of fathers. May his example be a source of inspiration for our fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and stepfathers, and for all Canadians.
St. Joseph, pray for us!