As a devout Jew he knew that the marriage could not proceed, and that the law, if rigidly applied, would result in punishment and judgement for his fiancé. Joseph’s anguish threatened to crush and break him. He was a righteous man, zealous in keeping God’s law, and must have felt shame and embarrassment. His prerogative under the Jewish law was either to insist on the letter of the law or to divorce Mary quietly, which meant signing legal papers to dissolve the union.
Into this seemingly all-too-human tragedy and scandal broke the illuminating light of God through the agency of a dream. In the dream an angel spoke to Joseph, informing him that Mary’s pregnancy was the fruit of the Holy Spirit and the son she bore was to be named Jesus. Scandal, shame and tragedy gave way to light, truth, dignity and salvation. This is God’s way. He makes the crooked straight, redeems the seemingly lost desperate situation, and replaces the anguish of scandal with dignity and joy. Amid every human tragedy and scandal, we learn that Jesus is with us because Jesus is Emmanuel, which means, ‘God with us’.
At the dawn of history God’s plan of Salvation began with a couple, Adam and Eve, and at the heart of God’s emerging plan of salvation we also find a couple, Joseph and Mary. This teaches us that the family is sacred ground. Intended as a safe place where we can work out our salvation. Here we learn that God is with us. We learn that no scandal, drama, disappointment, hurt or upset, no tragedy, disgrace, indignity or outrage is beyond the healing mercy and forgiveness of God.
Today we rejoice in Mary and Joseph’s witness – especially their obedience and responsiveness to God’s will. Mary’s ‘yes’ to God began our salvation and Joseph’s acceptance of God’s plan ensured the safety and protection of mother and child.
