Joseph

Today is the feast celebration of Joseph, the step father of Jesus and a direct descendant of King David ( of I killed Goliath fame ). We can’t write too much about the man simply because we know very little. In the four Gospels he never speaks.

What we do know is that Joe was the step father of Jesus Christ having knowingly married the pregnant Mary whom at betrothal believed was a Virgin. Yet we are told that in a dream he was persuaded to go ahead and as a man of great faith did just that. We know he was from Nazareth and that he had to find a place for his wife to give birth as there was no room at the Inn. We know he was a Carpenter and therefore not a wealthy man. We know that he listens to his dreams for when the baby is born he’s told to flee to Egypt away from a pursuing angry King. We know that he wasn’t alive when his son died on the Cross.

Like many Step Fathers , Joe stepped up to fulfil the role of Dad, he runs on the field of parenthood to play a pivotal role , the substitute arrives. Of course like all relationships they can be touch and go but if they click the bond can often be stronger for the role has been chosen not the result of self gratification.

For the so called stepson or stepdaughter it can be difficult too but his true love for them is evidenced by the love of their Mother, just like the love Joe had for Mary. On the downside there is a balanced role to play especially if the blood father wants to remain on hand but so many fathers remain absent wanting neither the cost or responsibility of being a Dad.

The disastrous debacle in Ukraine will have emptied the orphanages and there doubtless will be many children who lose their Dad as they gallantly defend their homeland. There will come a time then that more Joes will be required to step up to be a Father and the spirit of Joe will live on. If you do get the opportunity it is a privilege, it is a blessing though not everyone gets to go to Egypt. I can thoroughly recommend it. Well done Joe you showed us all the way.