St. Joseph does not appear much in the Gospel. But the moments when he is present leave us very clear examples of a life centered on God, hope, obedience, and faith. Those virtues lead to be a righteous mas as he is described in today’s Gospel. In Paul’s letter we see that righteousness is central in our life with God. Whereas most of us put our trust in the law and regulations, Paul says righteousness is more important.
It was not through the law
that the promise was made to Abraham and his descendants
that he would inherit the world,
but through the righteousness that comes from faith.
Beyond simple legalities of the law and regulations, what does righteousness look like in a life of faith? Look at Joseph! The events described in today’s Gospel are a prime example. Within the constraints of the law and regulations of that time, Joseph made a just and prudent decision to separate himself from his apparently unfaithful betrothed, Mary. He decided to carry out his decision in the quietest way possible within the customs of that time so as not to produce scandal against her and her family. That would have destroyed Mary’s possibilities of betrothal to another man and left her subject to wild gossip in their town – even the possibility of execution by stoning. Having made his just, prudent, compassionate, and rational plan, Joseph is made aware that God had a different plan. Amazingly Joseph listens to the message of God’s will and decides to abandon his personal plan. He does not justify his own plan as being prudent and compassionate rather he decides to act and live according to God’s plan. Joseph guides his life and the life of the Holy Family by God’s will and plan.
It is very easy to guide our lives by our own legalistic outlook. Often times we use our definition of the law and justice to justify our own actions and plans in life. We can become so rigid in our forms of self-justification. Righteousness comes from abandoning our own selves, our plans, our justifications and conforming our lives to the Word of God as Joseph did throughout his life with the Holy Family.
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him.
Image: CANVA CJ 17 March2026 AI generated.