It is 19th March 2019. We celebrate the Solemnity of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The readings are from 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; the second reading is from Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; and the Gospel is from Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24. God protects and provides the just and faithful persons’ family because of their obedience and faith they have in God. St. Joseph is the Patron of the Universal Church not because of his lineage but because he conducted himself with a few words but with a firm faith in God and with the uncompromised faithfulness to Mary. St. Joseph was a man of integrity and a descendant of King David, an earthly father of Jesus. St. Joseph as a foster father is the second greatest saint next Mother Mary endowed with the outstanding humility and intimacy with Christ, the second Person of the Most Trinity. St. Joseph was a man of few words yet man of actions. Even though he was chosen to be the foster father for Jesus, the Son of God yet he never abused the privilege of being in the Holy Family. The love and respect St. Joseph showed to Mary and Jesus till the last breath is the proof of his gentleness, prudence, and purity. The first reading explains God’s promise to David that is remembered and rested in the humble obedience of St. Joseph in accompanying Mary and Jesus. The security for the family is dispensed in a meticulous purity and profound disposition of managing and modelling nobility through St. Joseph, who is not only the model for all men but he is also the intercessor for all who find it challenging in understanding children and spouse. The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “The son of David will live for ever.” (Ps. 89:37). The second reading cements the fibres of faith by presenting the faith of Abraham as a gift and promise to all children who displayed their faith in God like St. Joseph. The Gospel presents us with the connection of David’s family through St. Joseph being the foster father for Jesus. St. Matthew presents in the Gospel passage that St. Joseph was the husband of Mary and not the father of Jesus and the royal lineage of Jesus through St. Joseph. He believed God undoubtedly and accepted Mary as his wife and protected against the public shame and went through all pain by himself through the assurance from God through the angel. St. Joseph being a man of faith stood the ground so firmly in doing the right things for God. St. Joseph shines as a model to all those who are steering the families in the modern world with its contemporary challenges. We all have something to imbibe from St. Joseph. Even if we have all the proofs to expose the other yet willing to listen to the voice of God and guided and strengthened by God is that brings the lasting blessing to all our family. Let us not rush to condemn the others in our families when we are handicapped with the limited resources of entire truth rather to consolidate and collaborate with the plan of God. Just like St. Joseph, we need to safeguard the character of the other in times of confusion and in dilemma. Through the intercession of St. Joseph, the spouse of Mary may all our families guided and protected by the power of the Holy Spirit. May all our families be blessed through prayers and blessings of Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. May you have a good day. May God bless you.