19^th March – Solemnity of St Joseph

General. This feast commemorates St Joseph, the chaste spouse of Mary and foster father of Jesus. In this Eucharist we thank the Lord God for ever being ‘Our Father’ in a true fellowship of saints within the Church which believes in Jesus, the Son of God, and through him our sonship in God and brotherhood in Christ. See Profile.

2 Samuel. It has ever been the wish of the Lord God to adopt a Father-Son relationship between Himself and humanity. This time the promise is made to David through Natan the prophet. His family and offshoot shall be strong and loyal to God for all ages.

Psalm 88. The Psalmist, who may actually be David himself, sings David’s fealty to God. It is encouraging for us humans beign able to praise God in this way after being seen by others to be sinners and, most of all, recognising ourselves as such.

Romans. God’s promise to Abraham and his offspring to inherit earth was made through their justification as coming through the Law coupled with faith. The promise is given by the grace of God to both Law-abiders and those who live by the faith of Abraham, Jews and Christians alike. To this multitude Abraham is a father, as through justification God is also Father of all in Heaven.

Matthew. In terms of St Paul’s epistle, Joseph is a just man who keeps the Torah and has faith in God’s will as expressed through the Angel’s words. As told to do, he fearlessly takes Mary as his wife who bears the Child Jesus, saviour of His (and David’s) people from their sins.

Homilies Index Page - Liturgy of the Hours - Home