Feast of the Holy Family

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Psalm 128; Colossians 3:12-21; Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph

We don’t know if the hero of today’s Gospel ever dreamed of having a great role in history, but indeed he played it.  He listened to, trusted, and obeyed angelic messages so that Jesus, the Savior of the world, was safely protected. The liturgy provides useful lessons for us today by the heroic example of Saint Joseph, in his quiet, attentive trust and obedience.

Heroism in action does not always “make noise” and is often composed of quiet choices made when no one is watching.  Joseph silently obeyed angelic messages in his crucial roles of protecting his wife Mary, and the infant Son of God. To hear God’s messages, we must be silent, too. Our phones and other devices send loud messages and strongly invite us to respond. We have the choice to let the prayers of our heart lead us as well. We might have to make the silence happen so we can hear the Lord.

After listening to an angel in a dream, Saint Joseph immediately obeyed.  He rose and departed to save the Son of God, fleeing as he was directed to Egypt and safety with the little family that he loved. What if Saint Joseph hadn’t listened to, trusted, or obeyed the words of light delivered through his dream?

Heroism wore a humble guise in Joseph, in his listening and obeying. So it can in us, too.  Making a life-changing move or faithfully fulfilling daily duties in quiet fidelity can be the notes of loving heroism in our lives.

Saint Joseph’s prompt obedience also brought the little Holy Family safely home from Egypt after an angel’s appearance to him, again in a dream. Like Joseph, we are called sometimes to trust the words of those in charge of us, although we may feel that we, too, are “left in the dark” when we do not understand the reasons for a directive.

God guided the head of this small and notable family through his angel messengers. But Joseph had to listen and respond quickly to the angels.  This enabled him to lead the Virgin Mary and Jesus through their trying and frightening situations. So it can happen for us.  If we imitate Saint Joseph’s quiet listening and prudent obedience, we will allow God’s plan to be fulfilled in us and in the lives of our loved ones.

Saint Joseph lived the meaning of obedience.  For him, to hear was to obey. There was no interruption.  In Latin, “ab” [to] and “audiere” [to hear] are the root words of “obedience”.  As soon as we “hear” (recognize) God’s will, we should do it!  May the great Saint Joseph help all of us to have the same seamless connection between knowing and doing God’s will as he did.

Over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.