Lectionary: 543
Read the Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Luke 2:41-51a
Gospel Summary: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a
Just prior to this passage, in Matthew 1:1-15, we are presented with the genealogy of Jesus. This, of course, includes the lineage of Saint Joseph. Among his ancestors are Jacob, Solomon, David, and Abraham. This is quite a heritage of faith! And in today’s Gospel reading, Joseph takes his part as an amazing ancestor in faith too. Joseph is described as “a righteous man” who “did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.”
Gospel Summary: Luke 2:41-51a
In this Gospel passage, we recall the story of twelve-year-old Jesus remaining behind in Jerusalem after the feast of Passover. There he listened to and questioned the teachers of the Temple. In the meantime, Mary and Joseph were part of the caravan returning home, and they did not realize that their son was missing. When they found him, he returned to Nazareth with them and remained obedient to them.
Reflection for Parents
Although only one of the two Gospels assigned to this solemnity will be proclaimed today, there is a thread that connects the two. It is the thread of obedience. Joseph is obedient to the angel of the Lord, and Jesus is obedient to Mary and Joseph.
Obedience is defined as “submission to another’s authority.” Think about those you are called to be obedient to—in the workplace, in the Church, at home, and elsewhere. Do you show those persons the respect and consideration they deserve? Consider those who are called to be obedient to you—those you supervise at work, those you may teach in a religious education class or coach on a team, and your children. Are you a person who is easy for others to trust, look up to, and respect? And, how obedient to God are you? Do you obey his Commandments and the moral teachings of the Church?
Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
One of the ways the Church celebrates this solemnity is to prepare Saint Joseph’s Table. A wonderful outline of this celebration is available in Our Family Prays (RCL Benziger, © 2015) or online at RCLBenziger.com > Catholic Resources > Lent. Celebrate Saint Joseph’s Table with your family. In addition, learn more about Saint Joseph at SaintsResource.com.
Discussion Starters
- Someone I find it hard to obey is . . . because . . .
- Someone I find it easy to trust, respect, and obey is . . . because . . .
- During this Lenten season, I can be more obedient to God by . . .
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