ITE AD JOSEPH

After knowing Mary was pregnant, Joseph was afraid. The fear of Joseph mentioned by the angel may indicate that he had an inkling about Christ’s divine conception in Mary. Fear is not the natural reaction towards infidelity of a wife. Perhaps sadness or anger is the proper response rather than fear. Far from believing she was unfaithful, Joseph was inclined to believe that in Mary's pregnancy lies the fulfillment of the prophesies of Isaiah (cf. 7,14 and 11,1), and was aware that Mary was from the stock of David (Jesse) (cf. St. Thomas in Super Matt. I. nr. 117). If that was not the case, Joseph, being an upright man, would have surrendered Mary to the authorities to suffer the consequences of being an unfaithful wife. Out of fear that he may impede the fulfillment of God's plan, and seeing himself as an unworthy person who would be part of the divine plan, he intended to distance himself from Mary. In fear, while pondering over this, Joseph rested and fell asleep. In a dream, he was enlightened and assured by the angel that he would not be a hindrance to the divine plan but in fact, would be given a role; to name the child which is a paternal authority and obligation. Joseph may not have any role in the conception of the Child Jesus but he was certainly given a part to fulfill; the guardianship of the Messiah. He did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do.

In the presence of a great mystery, we tremble in fear and may see ourselves unworthy to be in God's presence. Like Peter, we may say "Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinner” (Luke 5:8). Like the fearful Joseph, we may intend to distance ourselves from such sublime and overwhelming reality. We may be tempted to beg off from the responsibilities given to us. We may think we may mess up the entire plan of God should we, sinful and imperfect persons, be involved in it. We are afraid that we may threaten and endanger not only ourselves but also the lives of others and more so, the grand plan of God. When we are almost conquered by fear, what shall we do? Should we panic and look for excuses?

Silence is a notable characteristic of St. Joseph. In front of the mystery unfolding before him, he fell silent. More than filling his head with uncertain things, he chose to be silent. In the silence of his slumber, an angel of the Lord enlightened him. Silence is important in understanding the will of God and dismissing the fear in our hearts. After all, God speaks only one language: silence. When afraid, some of us look for ways to divert our attention from the pressing reality of our life. Consequently, we deprive ourselves with the opportunity to come face to face with our deepest fears. Silence can facilitate our coming into terms with the difficult realities of our life. With full trust in the Divine Providence, and with humility before His Divine Majesty, in silence, let us understand and live what the Lord tells us to do.

Should fear and trembling hinder us, let us go to Joseph (Ite ad Joseph).  St. Joseph, the husband of Mary, the universal patron of the Catholic Church, help us in our needs.