Monday, March 19, 2018

Joseph, Son of David


BEADS OF JOY 03-19-18
Joseph, Son of David
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

This picture to me represents Fatherhood, Motherhood,
Parenting and Family.....and LOVE.

Today’s Gospel: Matthew 1:16,18-21,24 (Birth of Jesus)
“Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary  your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife”


Reflection:
We know Joseph was a carpenter, we know he was good and upright man; we know he was Mary's husband, and Jesus' foster father. What other possible things could we learn by the role Joseph played in Jesus' life; and the example he has set before all us, as a good husband and father and an obedient man of God. Yes, Joseph is a descendant of David; he has a most impressive genealogical trace back to David the King. I'm not going to list the entire genealogy that can be found in Matthew's first chapter, but the end highlight states, "and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." Matthew 1:16. Joseph always listened to whatever direction God sent Him, without questioning what he was told. Jesus and Mary's safety were Joseph's first greatest concern and whenever the angel of the Lord warned him he didn't hesitate to listen. "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife." Matthew 1:24.

Joseph lived a life, true to the obedience of God. Today we celebrate the one man who not only was directed and guided by God himself to protect and take care of God's chosen one; but who also stood strong closest to them without ever being concerned about himself. His own pride and even respect held no concern to himself; first and foremost, he only protected those two blessed chosen ones of God. Let's look at scripture and see how loyal Joseph most definitely was. "When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." Matthew 2:13. Joseph lived a life that was so connected to God, that we can learn so much from his example. He and our Blessed Mother were two of God's most trusted and obedient children. Jesus was so perfectly placed in the hearts and lives of two of God's wonderfully loving people.

The example they have given us as parents is unmatched. For their parental ways were so blessed because of their obedience to Almighty God. I can see how we can learn so much from them. Today let's look at Joseph's role in this most blessed Holy Family. I know we only learn and read about Joseph briefly in scripture, but I think there was a reason for that. God placed Joseph in Jesus' path to keep Him safe during His most vulnerable defenseless years of His life. I know both moms and dads read this blog; but today's celebration is about a Godly man, a loving foster dad, and a most devout husband. I feel both moms and dads can gain much comfort and wisdom from all this. A good dad and a devout husband who has devoted his life and love to be obedient to God; is someone every man should desire to be, and every woman should desire to marry. God's holy and most blessed family show us how simplicity and love are valued tremendously in the success of a God-loving family.

As guardian of the holy family, we can see him as the protector of the church. His bold, selfless life encourages me personally as I hope it does for you. Nothing about Joseph was indeed about Joseph; it was all about Jesus and Mary. What an exciting, thrilling, overflowing joyful way to live one’s life. We need to do the same, centering our thoughts, first and foremost on Him. Jesus' love and concern need to be our first focus, followed by loving and adoring His most precious mother. Here is a quote that truly sums it all up for us about Joseph, "He was chosen by the eternal Father as the trust worthy guardian and protector of his greatest treasures, namely, his divine Son and Mary, Joseph's wife. He carried out this vocation with complete fidelity until at last God called him, saying, "Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord." this came from a sermon by Saint Bernardine of Siena.

Pondering these thoughts today:
Let us look at Joseph in a new light. His priorities should be ours. As our Blessed Mother is such an example of saying Yes to God and being obedient to Him, so Joseph does the same. Today let us ponder thoughts and prayers of love for dads we know and love in our life.

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

Your brother in Christ Jesus 
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

P.S. The picture of me and my parents is a representation of Fatherhood, Motherhood and Parenting. And the importance of it and how truly wonderful it is.

Today is Monday: We pray the Joyful Mysteries:

The Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation (Humility) – Luke 1:26-28
2. The Visitation (Love of Neighbor) – Luke 1:39-45
3. The Birth of Jesus (Poverty of Spirit) – Luke 2:1-20
4. The Presentation (Purity of Mind & Spirit) – Luke 2:22-38
5. Finding in The Temple (Obedience) –Luke 2:41-50

I simply love Monday mornings, because every morning begins with the Rosary.




Rosary Man Jim’s Joyful Reflection:
http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-joyful-mysteries_10.html

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