Gospel Reading for March 19, 2025 – Matthew 1: 16, 18-21, 24a
MAN OF GREAT FAITH
Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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.
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Imagine learning that the person you are betrothed to is pregnant! For sure, it was not an easy thing to accept, but Joseph was truly a MAN OF GREAT FAITH in God, that just a dream was enough to convince him that the child Mary bore was conceived through the Holy Spirit. Henceforth, he became the surrogate father of Jesus, Son of God, took care of him as he was growing up, and provided for all the needs of the family God gave him.
Today, as we celebrate his Solemnity, we thank him for taking good care of Mary, our Mother and most especially, our Saviour, Jesus. We ask him to intercede for us, that we may be like him in his GREAT FAITH whenever we are disturbed by doubts in our faith!
