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Monday, March 19, 2007 Meditation Romans 4:13,16-18, 22 St. Joseph Joseph believed God. Like Abraham before him, in hope, he believed against hope (Romans 4:18). Consider Joseph's situation. He was betrothed to Mary. This was a serious, binding agreement between them to wed. But then, Mary was found with child before they came together (Matthew 1:18). According to the law, Mary could have been stoned to death or compelled to marry the one with whom she had lain. Either way, the law expected Joseph to break the agreement with Mary and have nothing to do with her. But like Abraham, Joseph believed God—the God who raises up generations and who establishes kingdoms (2 Samuel 7:13,16). Joseph's faith was rooted in the one who has established his steadfast love forever, whose faithfulness is as firm as the heavens (Psalm 89:2). So, when the angel told him to wed Mary and that she was bearing God's Messiah (Matthew 1:20-21), Joseph believed and took her as his wife. Could Joseph have done this purely on human strength? No. Faith like Joseph's comes only as a gift of God. Thus, the story of Joseph highlights the miraculous, overpowering grace of God in every way. God called Joseph to be the husband of Mary and the foster father of the Messiah. And God gave him the grace to accomplish his calling and take his place in the fulfillment of Gods plans. If we contemplate Mary and Joseph, we can come to see that we too are surrounded by Gods grace. By grace, the Son of God freely came to share our humanity. By grace, like Mary and Joseph, we are enabled to place our lives in Jesus' hands. By grace, the heavens are opened, and we can experience the Fathers saving love. God has done so much for us! How should we respond? By following Joseph's example of faith, trust, and obedience, even when the calling is difficult. God continues to be merciful. He continues to pours out his grace on us. Thank you, Father, for calling me into your life through your Son and giving me the ability to believe in him. Father, you know how weak my faith can be and how I can waver in responding to you. Father, I believe—but help my unbelief! 2 Samuel 7:4-5,12-14,16; Psalm 89:2-5,27,29; Matthew 1:16,18-21,24 |
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