Page 28 - Reflections on St. Joseph

It is perhaps precisely here where the profound truth of a proper relationship with God
matures. Recognize that there is a plan, a will - that of God - who speaks and challenges.
You can now understand better the exhortation in the 1st Letter of St. Peter (3,15):
“Adore the Lord, Christ, in your hearts, always ready to respond to whomever asks a
reason for the hope that is in you.” How have we as Christians become implementers of
this essential witness to the story of salvation? The pandemic has seriously challenged
every Christian to see himself as an implementer of this hope. As we hear in the parable
(Mt. 13,33) of the yeast, which hiddenly and silently is capable of leavening all the dough;
or in the invitation to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Mt 5,13).

We need to recognize that we have witnessed the re-launching of theological
interpretations whose origins are born from the pandemic, presented as the punishment
or chastisement of God for the sins of men. There are moralistic interpretations, which
perhaps having a certain reasonableness, but also have the danger of making the mercy
of God a transaction, a do ut des, which has been much seen in history. Even the
“temptation of a miracle “ has appeared as the only praying to offer to the heart of God,
as if he were a magician who with the swish of His wand will make the virus disappear.
All of these are fantastical stories; its very different with from the attitude that the fear
of God invites us to have: the mature capacity to turn to God as a Father, recognizing Him
as the All-powerful in love.

Joseph: Artisan of Perspectives

Joseph of Nazareth, even in these times, shows himself to be a master at life, reminding
us that there is a plan of God to be entered into and not a reality to be avoided. The biblical
reference of Mt 2, 19-23 presents the last two dreams of Joseph. Once again the request
is clear. Joseph is to take Mary and the Child and return to the land of Israel. That which
seemed to be a respite for Joseph after the flight into Egypt (Mt 2, 13-18) is revealed to be

4

4 Reflections on st. joseph