2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16, Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22, Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29,
Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24, or Luke 2:41-51
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/031910.shtml
"FATHER-FOREVER" (see Is 9:5)
"I will be a Father to Him, and He shall be a Son to Me." —2 Samuel 7:14
Both the title of this teaching and the above Scripture refer to the Lord
and not to St. Joseph. However, both are aptly applied to Joseph. Joseph's
entire identity derived from his unique relationship to Jesus as the
foster-father of the Son of God.
Most men find their identity in their own prowess rather than from their
subordinate relationship to another person. Yet Joseph is identified in
Scripture as "the husband of Mary" (Mt 1:16), perhaps the only man in the
entire Bible identified this way. On the surface, it might seem from this
description that Joseph was a second-class man. However, Joseph took his
identity from his relationship with Jesus, and Mary was undeniably the
mother of Jesus. Joseph was linked to Jesus through Mary; hence, he is
described as Mary's husband to spotlight his unique relationship to Jesus.
I'm certain that St. Joseph is rejoicing in heaven whenever people refer
to him because of his link to Jesus rather than for his own sake. Joseph
found the meaning of life when Jesus entered his world (see Phil 1:21).
With great faith (Rm 4:16), Joseph subordinated his life to Jesus, serving
Him with love. In giving up his life for Jesus, Joseph found out who he
was (Mt 10:39).
With Joseph, let us live no longer for ourselves, but for Jesus (2 Cor
5:15). Live by faith in Jesus (Gal 2:20).
Prayer: Jesus, immerse me in You, surround me with You, consume me in Your
love (Heb 12:29).
Promise: "All depends on faith, everything is grace." —Rm 4:16
Praise: St. Joseph, as patron of the universal Church, truly exemplifies
the Scripture, "the humble shall be exalted" (see Mt 23:12).
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 26, 2009
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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