Joseph: God’s Perfect Choice.
From all the people God created, why did he select Joseph to be the stand-in human father for his human son, Jesus? After all, Joseph was a quiet, yet reflective working man. Though a respectable carpenter, Joseph was not a man of means. Many others were better suited to provide a comfortable lifestyle for his son. Yet, God choose Joseph above all others to be the foster parent for his son.
Never assuming to know God’s reasons for selecting Joseph, or God’s full plan for saving creation, let’s take a closer look at what we do know and can determine about Joseph. Our Scriptures say little, but enough to infer that Joseph was a man of flawless character which rested on solid foundations of compassion and broadmindedness.
Look how Joseph went about his carpentry. He spent significant time reflecting before cutting his first piece of wood. He thought about shape, design, the wishes of the customer, always imagining the final design.
Joseph could incorporate all these elements because he listened well, realizing that haste makes waste and may not lead to a satisfying result. These qualities alone gave Joseph an admirable reputation. Yahweh surely realized this when he chose Joseph as the perfect husband for Mary.
When doubts arose about taking Mary as his bride, Joseph listened closely to the angel’s voice whispering: “Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” Again, Joseph listened, contemplated, and chose to trust God.
Then, when Mary’s and Jesus’ life were in danger from King Herod, Joseph listened to the angel, and without hesitation gathered what they needed and fled to Egypt. Years later, that same angel brought Joseph the good news that it was safe to return to Nazareth. With his handling of each situation, Yahweh became more convinced Joseph was the right choice.
However, Joseph’s big task was to be Jesus’ human father, showing his foster son that he was loved and cherished as a human being. Joseph probably used essential words like, “Nice job son.” Through his constant presence, Joseph probably patted Jesus’ head saying, “No matter what the world deals you, son, or where your choices lead you, please know, even after I’m gone, (as Joseph would look directly in Jesus eyes), “You will always be in my heart.”
Until he could no longer, Joseph walked his life-path with faith cherishing Jesus as his own. Joseph’s life included many twists and turns to demonstrate that love, such as the unexpected journey to Bethlehem; the midnight birth in a stable; living on an unsteady income; avoiding Herod’s assassination effort; and enduring life in a foreign country. Yet, he always believed in and listened to God for a safe route into the unknowns.
Never wavering from his Yes, Joseph learned quickly that accepting the title of Jesus’ earthly father meant his own plans were no longer workable. They evaporated in an existence God now determined. Joseph did it all-out of his love of God, his love of Mary, his beloved, and his love for God’s son. It was all God’s will, but Joseph did it all without looking back. Indeed, Joseph was surely God’s perfect choice.
Wishing a Merry Christmas to all and a New Year full of blessings for you and your loved ones!
Father DeLillio
Painting of St. Jospeh: Georges de la Tour
