The liturgical calendar of the Maronite Rite, one of the Eastern Catholic Rites loyal to Rome, today celebrated the Revelation of Saint Joseph which prompted his determination to do God’s will on Earth. It is one of several such Sunday’s in Advent that the Maronites use to illustrate the preparation we must undertake to welcome the Lord.
Joseph’s role, of course, was the ultimate preparation for the Lord. Engaged to Mary, yet suddenly aware of her pregnancy, this humble man wanted to do what he could to save her blushes and quietly let her be. Yet the Lord explained to him why she was with child and who the child was. As we would say today, Joseph answered the call. He answered it with the ultimate selflessness, giving up a life he expected, to accept the responsibility of an entirely unexpected and unknown life, one surely he must have had some human trembling over. (I once was entrusted to coach a young phenom soccer player. Was I up to it? Imagine the doubts Joseph must have had in knowing he would raise our Saviour.)
But he did it because God asked. What don’t we do that God asks? What life plans do we change to accomodate God’s will? Do we give up a game or event we want to attend and instead attend Mass on a Holy Day of Obligation? Do we set aside some extra money for the needy or Church instead of the latest electronic gadget? Do we encourage those away from the Church to come back or excuse their attitude as, “it’s their life, it’s their choice.”
What are we willing to give up for God, in preparation for His Son? What are we are we willing to do for His will on Earth?
Saint Joseph deferred his life for God. Are we willing even to defer one activity, one television show, one possession?
