Joseph’s loving relationship with Mary began with a twist of Mercy. We know that Joseph loved Mary deeply, and had only one dream-to make her his wife. Crushed as he was when he heard the news of her pregnancy, Joseph decided to use the law to protect her and not put her to death. Precisely because of this, Joseph decided, as Scripture recounts, to "put her away quietly." Later when he heard the truth from an angel, Joseph understood. It was then that Joseph acted out of love for a second time. This time Joseph put his desire for a family aside to do the Lord’s bidding. He acted again to protect Mary’s reputation and now to protect this child for the salvation He was to bring.
Joseph became the standard of how love and mercy play major roles in our pilgrimage to follow Jesus. For his self-sacrifice and faithfulness, God rewarded Joseph perfectly.
For the rest of his life, Joseph lived closely with Mary and Jesus. During those years, Joseph would teach Jesus as much as he was able , and in this way he assisted Him in becoming the Savior of the world.
Thank God Joseph loved Mary and Jesus enough to make his choices. If we are looking for an instance of a true act of mercy, Joseph’s love stands out as the classic example.
In fact, Jesus, Mary and Joseph all put their lives on hold for one another, and by their choices they truly mirror what “to be in love with another person” entails. Each showed in their own "story," how sacrificing for the sake of another is the core of love and mercy. And to this end--Jesus, Mary and Joseph continue to lead the way.
