Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.
A reflection on the daily readings, for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by Father Perry.
By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor
+ Two words come to mind from this feast, and this man, and these readings — integrity and dilemma. And what a dilemma this was!
Joseph, betrothed to Mary — and for the Jews in those days, once betrothed you were already married; it was the first step, even more so than just being engaged — discovered that Mary was pregnant.
Now also in those days, if a woman was pregnant — and this, obviously, had to have occurred as a result of an adulterous affair; at least Joseph was sure he had not brought this about — the woman, according to the Law, could be taken out and stoned to death.
First, deal with the adultery, the unfaithfulness of the woman you loved; and, second, now deal with picking up stones and throwing them at her until she dies?
Yikes!
But Joseph was a good and just man; he couldn’t and wouldn’t do it. It was going to be a private and very quiet divorce, removing the possibility of any “shame” for Mary.
But God intervened; God sent an angel and told Joseph there was more here than meets the eye. And Joseph now had to deal with some deep mystery, and grow even more in his faith; through all of this, we see his tremendous integrity.
Son, why have you done this to us?
