Hoping against Hope is the distinctive mark of a believer!

March 19, Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Daily Readings: Second Samuel 7: 4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Romans 4: 13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1: 16, 18-21, 24.

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of Mary and patron of the Church. The first reading discusses God's prophet Nathan preparing a great project for David's house. To the one who fails to build a house for God (a place to reside), God builds a house (a dynasty).

Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, was born during this dynasty, and Jesus would be known as the Son of David, the Son of Abraham, and the Son of God. This relationship is not one of flesh and blood but one of faith, so it is spiritual.

That is why Jesus will reign forever and ever. St. Paul clarifies this reality in his letter to the Romans. Abraham becomes righteous through all of God's works—not through the law but through faith. It is only through faith that he becomes the father of many nations. It is through the same faith that all nations will come under the rule of Jesus.

Therefore, God needed the help of a just and righteous man such as Joseph, who is in the thick and thin of salvation history. That is why Joseph plans to dismiss Mary without public disgrace. He seeks God's guidance, and as a result, the angel of God guides him through dreams for his name's sake. Throughout the Book of Genesis, dreams guided Joseph through his troublesome yet gracious life.

Call to Action for Catholic Living: St. Joseph had a turbulent beginning to his married life, but then he had the privilege of being the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster father of the Son of God. Do I understand God's plan for me in times of trouble?