by Rev. Fr. Prof. Kurien Daniel

Gospel Reading: St Mathew 1:18-25; Revelation to Joseph

We are at the threshold of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Holy church entered into a holy fast, which leads us to that wonderful event. This week's thoughts deal with the revelation to Joseph regarding the holistic nature of the consummation of Mary.

It is interesting to note that there are twelve Josephs in the pages of Holy Bible. And all of them are good examples. Here Joseph in today’s text is a person betrothed to Mary. He was a carpenter living in Nazareth and was a Davidic descend. Holy Bible testifies him as a righteous man (St. Mathew 1:19). His righteousness is vividly exposed on three reasons:

1. Obliged by law:

According to the mosaic law, betrothal involves the same commitment as marriage. As soon as he learned that Mary was with child before they came together as husband and wife, Joseph was minded to put her away. He considered the pregnancy of his betrothed as a violation of Divine laws.

2. Filled by mercy:

We read so in the Bible "then Joseph, her husband being a just man and not wanting to make her a public example was minded to put her away secretly" (St Mathew 1:19). Since Joseph was a religious good man he poured out divine mercy and compassion towards a guilty person. He inclined to be merciful as God is. As one that was forgiven Joseph was ready to forgive.

3. Guided by revelation:

"behold an angel of Lord appeared to him in dream saying "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife for that which is conceived in her is of the holy spirit". (Mathew 1:20). At a situation of perplexity Joseph is guided from heaven. God graciously directed him what to do. God came in with advice when he was ready to carry the matter to God almighty. That was the turning point. He made her his wife, went with Mary wherever his presence was needed.