The limelight is usually focused on Mary by the time we get to the fourth Sunday of Advent, but this year, as we light all the candles around the Advent wreath, we turn our attention to the other figure in the story. What was it really like for poor Joseph to fit into this story?
Christian tradition speaks very little of the role of Joseph, and yet there are some important lessons here about commitment and caring for one another, if we have the patience and pondering hearts to consider the situation.
Brother André, c.s.c., of Saint Joseph's Oratory fame was one of the Canadians who probably worked most ardently to promote Joseph's cause. André was convinced that poor Joseph is often forgotten by many since he was a quiet figure in the story of Christianity. Like many others in our society who are often forgotten, he took it upon himself to never leave Joseph out, to pray to him each day, to do his part so that Joseph wouldn't fall into obscurity.
In the final days of Advent, as the world seems in some ways to be passing by us at a frantic pace and many are under great stress to make sure that all things are in place in time for the great festival of gift giving, perhaps we would do well to pause for a moment to consider some of the first gifts given, prayer, love, concern and care on the part of the young couple of Nazareth.
As always, you can read the text of my reflections on this matter, or if you prefer, you can listen to the podcast. I hope that these few thoughts might help to add a new understanding of the season and to enrich your experience of this holy season.
2 comments:
Stepping back and looking anew, is it possible? To have a totally new understanding that will enrich my experience of this holy season? I sure hope so.
Well said.
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