“Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.” (Matthew 1:16,18-21,24 NABRE)
Joseph set an incredible example for all men to follow. Upon finding out that his wife-to-be was pregnant, and knowing that it couldn’t be his own child, Joseph decided that he would divorce Mary quietly. However, upon hearing the reassuring words of the angel who visited him, Joseph didn’t hesitate to obey by taking Mary as his wife and into his home.
All men should look to Joseph as an example when they need guidance during times of similar uncertainty. When a man believes that his girlfriend, fiancé, or wife, has been unfaithful to him, he should handle the matter righteously, as Joseph did. He should not seek to shame the woman, spread rumors, or cause unnecessary drama.
Further, the Lord calls men and women to wait until marriage before engaging in intercourse. However, if a man and woman become pregnant before marriage, the man should follow Joseph’s example by not abandoning the mother and the baby. Likewise, when a man finds out that his wife is pregnant, even if the pregnancy is somewhat unexpected, he should not abandon his wife and the baby.
Though the thought of becoming a father may cause him to become fearful and anxious, the man should, like Joseph, trust in the will of God, knowing that the Lord is in control. Rather than deserting the mother of his child, or asking her to get an abortion, the man should step up and be a source of encouragement and support for the woman. He should care for the mother of his child and strive to be a loving and good father to his baby, as Joseph did for Mary and Jesus.
May everyone follow the example of Joseph by striving to live righteously, and by trusting in the will of the Lord for our lives.
I hosted a book study last night and the topic was about The Good Father. Who was a good father to you? It ended up opening the wounds of the effects of poor fatherhood and who God provided to fill the gap. It was an awesome and life changing evening. Many women having to face the effects of poor fatherhood and praying through and supporting their husbands, helping them be the men God needs them to be to their families.
Joseph is indeed a great example. I have been praying a Joseph Novena, and really thinking more and more about the responsibility that men have in society.