Joseph accepts Jesus as his son

Rembrandt: The Dream of Joseph

Joseph Accepts Jesus as his son (Mt. 1:18-25)

Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph…she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband was faithful to the law…he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit…

In our series of reflections on St Joseph we welcome one of our younger church members to share thoughts with us…

“I think Joseph is an accepting person. He initially misunderstood the situation, but then when he realised what happened to Mary, he accepted Jesus as his own son.

“Why do you think Jesus needs an earthly father?” I asked.

Our contributor of thoughts on St Joseph

I think that Jesus needs to learn from both genders, and Joseph can teach him about being a human man, while Mary teaches him about human women. Also, Jesus needs Joseph to care and raise him. He needs a father as well as a mother.

“As someone’s son, what do you think being a son means, beyond just being born into a family?”

I think that it is about love and being loved. I am loved by my parents, their love meets in me, and I love them back. It goes both ways.

“Why do you think God chose to tell Joseph through a dream, instead of an angel appearing before him, just like what happened to Mary?”

I think this is because God wants Joseph to think about the message more carefully. When he had woken up he had to think about what happened, and decide to think of it as just a dream, or as God really speaking to him. He then needs to make a choice of believing in what he heard or not. I think this is a way to let Joseph choose what to do.”

Prayer: Thank God for Fathers, and pray that they may be open to the callings of God.

After a period of silence you may like to pray about any person or concern currently on your heart. And say our Novena Prayer.

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil.

St Joseph, pray for us

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