A MAN OF FAITH
"When Joseph awoke he did as the angel of the Lord had directed him" (Mt 1:24). Joseph was a man of faith.
The Gospel passage for this solemnity is St. Matthew's account of the announcement to Joseph of the coming birth of Jesus. It makes St. Joseph the central and active figure -- Joseph is the recipient of a revelation and God the Father communicates His will to him. The evangelist suggests that Joseph understood what was asked of him and without further questioning or doubt, accepted the call of God. "When Joseph awoke he did as the angel of the Lord had directed him" (Mt 1:24). Joseph was a man of faith.
Earlier in the history of God's people, Abraham took God at His word and believed. His faith was an act of confidence in God and an act of hope in a promise that only our heavenly Father could guarantee. Joseph, like Abraham, had only the barest knowledge about his vocation. Yet he accepted it with the same unquestioning faith, absolutely trusting God.
In the first reading today, King David had intended to build a glorious temple to the Lord, but the prophet Nathan bore a message from God not to build a temple. Rather, God would build up for David a house, an everlasting dynasty, a throne firm forever. Prophetically we understand his words as a reference to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. The place of this reading serves also as a historical point of reference. Joseph was a descendant of David and the foster father of Jesus, and therefore has a significant role in the establishment of Christ's Kingdom.
Generally, we have some notion of what God wants of us after seeking guidance and advice. It may be clear to us how we are to go about doing His will. Yet we need still faith and trust in God's Providence as we continue on our journey of life with all its ups and downs.
Our prayer today can be found in the responsorial psalm: "He shall say of me, 'You are my father, my God, the Rock, my Savior'" (Ps 89:27)! You are our God, and we are Your people.