By Ian Wilson (Rated G)
While little is known of Joseph’s life, we do know that he was a man of high moral character. He would have to be in order to be the foster father of our Lord, Jesus.
The Gospels tell us that Joseph was a carpenter in the town of Nazareth in Galilee. He was of the house and line of David, king of Israel. When he found out his betrothed, Blessed Virgin Mary, was with child, he planned to divorce her secretly, rather than bring reproach upon her and her family. This went against the custom of the time; if a woman was found pregnant with another man’s child during the betrothal period, she faced widespread disgrace. But Joseph was not concerned with customs.
An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream instructing him to wed Mary and raise the child Jesus. Joseph obeyed without a second thought. This would be the defining characteristic of his life.
King Herod, upon hearing from the Magi that a new King had been born, ordered all the boys in Bethlehem murdered so that he could keep his throne. Once again, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream to tell him what was about to occur, and once again, Joseph obeyed without question, taking his wife and our Lord to Egypt until the death of Herod.
May we all live by the example of this just and righteous man.
LogoSophia Magazine 
Amen. Thank you.
Every man has a duty to serve – serve – after the order of Saint Joseph and thus protect every child.
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