Short homily for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of Mary
Theme: Faith of Joseph
By: Fr. Francis Onwnali
Homily for Friday March 19 2021
In our liturgy today we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of Mary and foster father and guardian of the child, Jesus. St. Joseph, because of his faith was counted as “just”. “Just” signifying a man who possesses all virtues and a heroic faith.
In the first reading (2 Sam 7: 4-5, 12-14, 16), we hear of God’s promise to David. “I will preserve the offspring of your body after you and make his sovereignty secure. It is he who shall build a house for my name, and I will make his royal throne secure for ever”. It was from the lineage of David that Joseph came and he extended this to his wife’s child, Jesus (2 Sam. 7: 4-5, 12-14, 16). Abraham in the second reading (Rom 4: 13, 16-18, 22) was considered justified because of his heroic faith, so is Joseph.
This heroic faith of Joseph attained its peak when confronted with the message of the Angel in the gospel (Matt 1: 16, 18-21, 24): “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit”.
Dear friends, St. Joseph is a man of great spirit. Even without words, he showed the depth of his faith. He is great in silence! Listens to the word of the Living God and allowed the word to penetrate deeply into his soul, and ready to accept the Truth contained in the Living Word. Is my heart and conscience open to be transformed by the Living Word of God?
I pray as we journey in life today, we will aspire to heroic faith in the challenging moments of our lives. May we be accounted as “just” by our virtuous life. May we care for one another as Joseph did for Mary and the Child Jesus. We implore the intercession of St. Joseph for God’s mercy. Have a faith-full day!
-Fr. Francis Onwnali