Decided to divorce her quietly

2 Sam 7,4-5a.12-14.16; Ps 88; Rm 4,13.16-18.22;
Mt 1,16.18-21.24a or Lk 2,41-51a
19 MARCH

The first way to know the Lord is the testimony made of words and works of those who already know him, because he lives in the Law, in his Commandments and in his History. This way is essential. Never might it fail. Today this path is about to disappear, and believers in the true God are shrouded in mist and the darkness of confusion, indeed of true spiritual, truthful and moral chaos. The second way is the wisdom that comes directly from God. When it is invoked, the Lord always grants it. It comes and guides our mind towards an ever more perfect light. Who does not live in the law of the Lord cannot ask for wisdom. The Law of God, his Commandments are the first, essential, fundamental and irreplaceable wisdom for man. Without wisdom the Law could also be modified, altered and transformed. Instead, it helps us to give the Law its truth as it is in the heart of God. A passage from the Book of Wisdom can help us to understand the mission of Wisdom or the service it offers to man for his obedience to be perfect.

For what man knows God’s counsel, or who can conceive what our LORD intends? For the deliberations of mortals are timid, and unsure are our plans. For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns. And scarce do we guess the things on earth, and what is within our grasp we find with difficulty; but when things are in heaven, who can search them out? Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given Wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high? And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight, and men learned what was your pleasure, and were saved by Wisdom (Wis 9,12-19).

But there is a third way and it is the direct manifestation by the Lord of his will to be welcomed today, in this instant. In the New Testament, according to the Gospel of Luke, both Zechariah in the temple and the virgin Mary in the house of Nazareth lived this special way of revelation of the mystery of salvation established by God. Before Joseph was chosen, the Lord wanted to test his heart. He put him to the test and found him firm in his justice. What is justice for Joseph? In living the Law of the Lord, finding the good both for him and for Mary. He does not enter into the judgment of what happened. He wants to withdraw from the her life in silence, discreetly, on tiptoe. Mary had to be protected. Now that his heart was found to be faithful, the Lord sends him his angel to reveal him what to do.

Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

Thus Joseph becomes a true master for us in understanding and living the Law of the Lord. Law, Truth and Justice must never hurt others. If it hurts, it is not Law, it is not Truth and it is not Justice. It is a human, not divine way of living the Law of our God. From the Law, which is the highest good for man, the highest good for all must be born. Evil cannot be born from good. If evil is born, then the Law of course is lived with a heart of stone and not in the Holy Spirit. That Joseph is a righteous man, that is, a faithful listener of his God, is attested by his immediate and ready obedience. As soon as he awoke from sleep, he did as the angel had ordered him. He is called to be true Father of adoption for Jesus and most pure and most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary. It is obedience for life.

Mother of God, Angels and Saints, help us to overcome every trial and be found faithful.