BEING A JUST MAN
(Matthew 1:16.18-21.24a)
We celebrate today the solemnity
of St Joseph, the foster Father of Jesus Christ, the husband of Mary, the
patron of the universal Church and indeed the just man. It is wonderful to
celebrate him exceptionally this year dedicated to him by the Holy Father.
As we celebrate him, we thank God
for the gift of such a holy man to our world. The word of God calls him the
righteous man. Today's Gospel translation calls him the just man. Let us ponder
on what it means to be a just man. What does it take to be just? What are the
requirements and credentials of a person said to be just?
A just man like Joseph is one who
will not do certain things because they are not pleasing to God. He is one who considers the feelings of
others. He is one who tries to see from the spectacles of God. He is one who
desires to do the will of God. He does not allow emotions and sentiments or
what people would say to make him go contrary to what God says about every
situation. When he is confused, he hurries to God for direction. He is a man
tempted like others, but he chooses not to disobey God.
A just man fulfils the roles
given to him by God. He lives his life responsibly and accountably. Joseph did
not fail in these regards. He took absolute care of the Holy Family keeping them
free and safe from attacks.
A just man doesn't talk
carelessly. Joseph never uttered a word. He is a silent achiever. He is a man
who allows God to increase and chooses to reduce himself in God. He is
meditative and reflective. These explain while he was able to hear the angel's
voice most of the time. He is an exemplary personality whose actions speak
louder than his voice. He is a good leader and protector, not attracting
problems but ready to fight them with the spiritual weapons when the time
comes. He is a man who relinquished his name for God's name to be heard louder
and clearer. He gave up his fatherhood for God's Fatherhood to be manifested.
From him we learn to give up our worth and pray God to give value to our little
worth.
Let us aspire to live justly and
impeccably before God. Let us endeavour like Joseph to give God chance to use
us to manifest his glory. Let learn to be humble and chaste. Let us be inspired
to take up the tasks given to us by God and to account well for all that Lord
has given to us: our children, wife, husband, talents, opportunities etc. Let
us not feel ashamed to be known with simplicity. Let us bear witness to God,
not just with words but with lifestyles like Joseph. These will make us just
before the Lord. Let us not worry about the honour and fame of the world but be
much concerned with God's expectations on us and be ready to bow out when we
have achieved it.
Joseph is a good model for the
youth facing crises in relationship, in spiritual life, in economic matters
etc. He won his title 'just man' as a young man. What title will you win today
as a young boy or girl? He continued to live out his righteousness as a Father
and husband. He played the Father role perfectly to Jesus that people never
knew he was not the biological Father. He played the husband role respectfully
and in a caring manner to Mary that even in difficult moments she experienced
what true love meant.
Joseph is indeed an important
figure for us all in the Church: The celibates, the married, the single, the
searching, the troubled, the persecuted, the tempted, the insulted, the
humiliated, the exiled, the terrified etc. But the message is that in all these
he remained a man who pleased the Lord. We all can please the Lord, live
righteously and die a happy holy death in the Lord even in all these
circumstances of our existence and be numbered among the saints in heave.
LET US PRAY
Almighty God, we thank You for
the special gift of St. Joseph to us. Help us to emulate him in living a holy
life. Give us the grace to carry out all the tasks you have entrusted to us.
May we overcome the temptation of losing faith and entering into the trap of
the evil one. Protect us and protect Your Church, guard and defend our families
and friends through the powerful intercessions of St Joseph. These we pray
through Christ our Lord. Amen
God bless your day.
Happy solemnity of St. Joseph.
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
No comments:
Post a Comment