My pastor gave a beautiful message the last week in advent about the heroic virtue practiced by St. Joseph, who was known by his contemporaries as a just man.
The betrothal was a very sacred contract entered into prior to marriage in those days, and it was about two years’ duration. At the end of the period, the groom took his espoused into his home. Mary, being found with child, was not giving Joseph the details, preferring to leave it up to God.
Certain that he was not the father, he could have justified his celibacy before everyone who might possibly accuse him of a premarital union, affirming that it was not his sin. Mary would have been stoned to death as the penalty, but Joseph had no intention of exposing her to this public humiliation and possible death.
How great was his love for her and his virtue! Surely many eyebrows may have been raised in rash judgment concerning the “sinfulness” of these two, but they would have been very, very wrong. I pray that St. Joseph will teach us patience in bearing the scorn of others who wrongfully assume we have sinned or done somethng displeasing to God. May it also teach us not to judge the hidden deeds of another, but leave them to God who alone sees the heart.
