by Rev. Dr. V Kurian Thomas Valiyaparambil

Next Sunday we commemorate the revelation to Joseph of the birth of Jesus. The truth is revealed to Joseph concerning his beloved Mary. Joseph was in front of a great mystery that the virgin is with a child. Joseph was also to be accepted for a great vocation to become the father of a son of the Father in Heaven.

Joseph probably thought earlier that his life was pretty simple. His marriage and vocation were all arranged neatly for him, but then his world came crumbing down on him. He discovered that his bride to be was pregnant. Joseph was a man of great integrity. He wanted to do the right thing. He considered divorcing Mary when he learned of her pregnancy but wanted to do so without calling attention to the reason for his decision. He could have had her publicly disgraced or even stoned her to death for adultery. Instead, without questioning her pregnancy, he married her.

Although Joseph came from the royal lineage of King David, he was lived a pious life. He was a quiet man willing to endure hardships and disappointment.

We learn 6 things from Joseph's life:

1. The Righteous Man:

Joseph was a righteous man committed to do God's commandments. He had no fear or shame for his commitment to God. Joseph is an example to every man: Do not be afraid to be a man of prayer in union with God. He had surrendered completely to God's will, avoiding evil and doing the good things in life.

2. Man of Pure Love:

Joseph had a pure and honest love toward Mary. He respected her devotion to him.

3. No Exposure to the Public:

Joseph did not want to expose Mary to public disgrace. It was very easy for Joseph to bring her to public condemnation when he had found out she was pregnant.

4. The Openness and Listening to God's explanation of what was going on:

He listened to what the angel had told him in the dream. With his openness, Joseph understood the Mystery of the Virgin and his vocation.

5. Not Suspicious:

When Joseph woke up from sleep, he did as the angel and the Lord had commanded him. Love believes everything.

6. Welcoming Mary and Jesus: