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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider A righteous man

A righteous man

Published Mar 19, 2023 11:00 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the Spouse of the Virgin Mary. In the Gospel of Matthew, the very first description of Joseph is that he is the husband of Mary. Being the husband of Mary is connected to another description of Joseph as a “righteous man” (dikaios). Let us focus our reflection on Joseph’s righteousness. Joseph’s righteousness surpasses the letters of the Mosaic law (Dt 22:21-24). He decides not to expose Mary to shame. The Matthean text is very clear that Mary was found with a child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph, in such difficult situation, allows himself to be guided by the Holy Spirit, enabling him to participate in God’s salvific plan.
Does our devotion to St. Joseph make us truly righteous Christians? Does our righteousness surpass the letters of the law? Do we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us that we may truly participate in God’s salvific plan?

Gospel • Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a  [or Lk 2:41-51a]


Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).

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