Feast of the Holy Family Gospel: Matthew 2: 13-15, 19-23 Today’s Gospel shows again the cost of Joseph’s decision to take Mary and Jesus into his guardianship. For Joseph, looking back over those months - taking Mary into his home - travelling to Bethlehem with a heavily pregnant wife - the worry of having her give birth in what was in effect a shed at the back of an inn - the confusion of visitors ranging from shepherds to wise men - the events in today’s Gospel must have felt like the final straw. An angel appears -and again the message is not what he would want to hear - more travelling - more worry - more struggling to make a living to support his new family. Matthew sees the events as fulfilling prophecy - but it is unlikely that Joseph felt that he was part of the Greatest Story ever told. It is far more likely that he was often confused - and under considerable stress - and unsure of what was happening. In spite of that - and, perhaps evidence of his great faith, he continues to protect Mary and her baby - and to respond to dreams and visions that do not make sense. In this, he reminds us of another Joseph who had dreams and who ended up in Egypt - though under very different circumstances. Here was another Joseph whose dreams seemed to land him in trouble when he was sold into slavery in Egypt- but who, in the end was shown to be one of God’s chosen. The reference to Egypt also reminds of the great Exodus from Egypt led by Moses - the transition from slavery to freedom. - to the creation of a new people of God. These are great Biblical echoes - visions and messages from God - liberation - victory - foundation of a new chosen people. All these images were to find new fulfilment in the child in Joseph’s care - in Jesus. Joseph may have sensed some of the greatness of the story of which he was part - but this did not exempt him from the day-to-day responsibilities of providing for Jesus and His mother. We too are part of a great story - though we may not always be too aware of it. Sometimes we - like Joseph - need to listen for angels... What does it mean for me?
Text © 2007 Wellspring | Gospel | First Reading | Second Reading | | Weekly Wellsprings | |