This Gospel passage reveals to us the greatness of St Joseph’s heart and soul. He was following a good plan for his life, but God was reserving another plan for him, a greater mission. Joseph was a man who always listened to the voice of God, he was deeply sensitive to his secret will, he was a man attentive to the messages that came to him from the depths of his heart and from on high. He did not persist in following his own plan for his life, he did not allow bitterness to poison his soul; rather, he was ready to make himself available to the news that, in a such a bewildering way, was being presented to him. And thus, he was a good man. He did not hate, and he did not allow bitterness to poison his soul. Yet how many times does hatred, or even dislike and bitterness poison our souls! And this is harmful. Never allow it: he is an example of this. And Joseph thereby became even freer and greater. By accepting himself according to God’s design, Joseph fully finds himself, beyond himself. His freedom to renounce even what is his, the possession of his very life, and his full interior availability to the will of God challenge us and show us the way.
Angelus, December 22, 2013 - Pope Francis
Joseph is a remarkable person. Sometimes, it seems that Joseph is overlooked. He is not mentioned many times in the gospels. He is often overshadowed by Mary and Jesus in the recalling of the Christmas story. How many Christmas carols mention Joseph in a prominent way? Yet, Joseph is central to the Christmas story. His assent to God’s will is an essential part of the Christmas story, the story of faith. His quiet “yes” was powerful. It was full of trust. It was full of faith, hope and love.
Angelus, December 22, 2013 - Pope Francis
Joseph is a remarkable person. Sometimes, it seems that Joseph is overlooked. He is not mentioned many times in the gospels. He is often overshadowed by Mary and Jesus in the recalling of the Christmas story. How many Christmas carols mention Joseph in a prominent way? Yet, Joseph is central to the Christmas story. His assent to God’s will is an essential part of the Christmas story, the story of faith. His quiet “yes” was powerful. It was full of trust. It was full of faith, hope and love.