…and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
-Matthew 1:21
This year, my attention is captured by St. Joseph and his place in the mystery we celebrate.
Joseph was just a regular guy. Joseph was a just man, trying to live according to God’s will. He was a laborer, and a man of few words. In fact, no word of Joseph is recorded in the Scriptures.
Joseph was a thoughtful man. When he was confronted with difficulties, he considered what seemed the next best step, and he was able to make a decision. Joseph also listened. He was not obstinate or stubborn, but he was faithful. He made up his mind without wavering, and he remained open to further information and guidance that might come.
Joseph loved God and loved Mary. And when those loves brought him to an agonizing and confusing place, he chose what seemed the most loving response, as far as he could tell. He wasn’t paralyzed by indecision, but he wasn’t stuck to his own plan, either. When he received guidance and encouragement in a dream, he recognized this as coming from God. God who helps us confront our fears, who respects our freedom, and who hears our cries in our need.
And Joseph received from God a unique role in the plan of our salvation. Mary’s role had been foretold long ago through Isaiah – the Virgin shall conceive and bear a son – Emmanuel, God-with-us. Joseph’s role, it seems, was revealed to him on the spot. “You shall name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
The name Jesus was not uncommon. It was both a prayer and an affirmation – God saves. It looked back to God’s saving work in the Exodus and throughout Israel’s history. But now, the full meaning of this name is revealed and fulfilled. God-with-us takes on our human nature, by the power of the Holy Spirit and thanks to Mary’s “yes”. And God called Joseph – although not a father in the flesh, a true legal father entrusted with the care of this Child and his Mother – God called Joseph to bestow the name on this Child.
Jesus.
The Name above all names. The only Name by which we are to be saved. The Name at which every knee will bend in heaven, on the earth and under the earth.
Joseph was the first to call on the Savior by this Name. We echo him every time we pronounce the name of Jesus, whose holy birth fills our hearts and homes with joy.
God does not give you a gift that doesn’t fit. He gives you the perfect gift in the Child born of the Virgin, cherished by Joseph, proclaimed by the angels, adored by the shepherds and kings. May you find your place in God’s loving plan of salvation as you come to adore Him who saves us from our sins, whose holy Name is Jesus.
Merry Christmas from all the clergy and staff here at San Pedro!
-Fr. To
