In the divine plan of salvation, God chose to be incarnated through the Virgin Mary, with Saint Joseph as her husband and earthly guardian. Joseph's role as the husband of Mary carries profound significance, as he exemplifies the virtues of love, fidelity, and paternal care in nurturing the family through which the Savior of the world would enter into human history.
In selecting Joseph as the foster father of Jesus, God honoured the sanctity of marriage and affirmed the indispensable role of fathers in the family. Joseph's love for Mary was not merely a human affection but a divine calling, characterized by trust in God's providence and obedience to His will.
Joseph's love for Mary transcended earthly conventions, as he embraced her with unwavering devotion and respect. Despite the mystery surrounding Mary's miraculous conception, Joseph accepted her with open arms, recognizing her as the vessel through which God's plan of salvation would be fulfilled. His love for Mary was marked by humility, selflessness, and a profound reverence for her sacred role in salvation history.
Furthermore, Joseph's love extended to Jesus, whom he raised as his own son in accordance with God's will. As the earthly father of Jesus, Joseph played a pivotal role in Jesus' life, providing for His physical and spiritual needs and guiding Him in the ways of faith and virtue. Through his example of fatherly love and devotion, Joseph demonstrated the importance of paternal care and guidance in the upbringing of children.
In Saint Joseph, husbands find a model of sacrificial love and devotion that transcends time and culture. His example challenges husbands to prioritize the spiritual and emotional well-being of their wives and children, recognizing their essential role in the family ordained by God Himself.
Through Saint Joseph's intercession, husbands are empowered to fulfil their vocation with courage and dedication, knowing that their love and sacrifices are blessed by God. In Joseph and Mary, we Christians find a source of inspiration and strength for our own family, as we strive to build families grounded in love, faith, and unity, following the example of the Holy Family.