Parishes and missions in New Mexico and throughout the southwest that are named either St. Joseph or San Jose (the Spanish vernacular) are a dime a dozen and symbolic of the deep devotion, however silent it may sometimes seem, and the honor given to the husband of the Virgin Mary and earthly parent to Jesus. The parish located in the same proximity as the
Even with all the name recognition, the solemnity of this great saint can be swallowed up, first, by the ongoing Season of Lent, and second, by the annual riotous festivities that mark St. Patrick’s Day, just two days earlier. Orthodox tradition has honored
The gospels tell very little of this highly respected saint. Mark ignores him, and John mentions him only when the crowds refer to Joseph as the father of Jesus. Matthew and Luke talk about him during the nativity narratives, but none of the gospels contain his spoken words. Some of what the two gospels do reveal are characteristics of the man: his compassion, fairness, and honor, while respecting Jewish law, his prayerfulness and attentiveness to God, and his dedication to Mary and the child, Jesus. http://www.examiner.com/x-4101-Albuquerque-Catholic-Examiner~y2009m3d19-Abraham-Martin-John-and-Joseph-I
The Protevangelion of James the Less and the Gospel of Thomas both say that Joseph was a widower with children when he became betrothed to Mary. Since both documents were written within a hundred years of Christ, it can be assumed that there is a degree of truth based on early oral tradition.
The Protevangelion tells how Joseph was chosen to be the spouse of Mary during a prayerful, miraculous rite. http://www.examiner.com/x-4101-Albuquerque-Catholic-Examiner~y2009m9d8-Our-Blessed-Mother-life-before-Jesus After his marker was chosen, Joseph refused to accept the Virgin as his bride for the same reason he tried to sneak out of the contest in the first place: he was afraid of the ridicule his old self would receive whenever he was seen with the very young woman. The high priest lectured him enough about the dangers of refusing God’s call that Joseph became very frightened. He took Mary to his house and told her that he fulfilled his duty in taking her from the temple, but he had work to do as a builder, and he left to tend to his trade. (Protevangelion 8:12-16)
Joseph appears to have made the trip between
Apparently the visit from the angel Gabriel and the early months of pregnancy came while Joseph was working away from home. According to chapter X of the Protevangelion, he returned after six months of building houses, as was his trade, to discover Mary ‘grown big.’ Joseph responded with fear of the Lord, anger, and a desire for revenge. He questioned how he would ever be able to face God after failing to protect the Virgin who was given to him for that purpose. He ranted about the deceiver who crept into his house, comparing the intruder to the snake that approached Eve when Adam was not there to protect her. As for Mary, he asked her directly how she could have let this happen when she was so blessed by God. The Virgin of course responded tearfully that she had known ‘no man.’ The document goes on to describe Joseph’s discernment as he reached the conclusion to deal with the matter privately.
Matthew’s gospel confirms Joseph’s decision to ‘divorce her quietly,’ but before that could ever happen an angel appeared in a dream and informed him of the Virgin birth. This scene provides information on the character of Joseph. He did comply with Jewish law to a point but did not hesitate to resist when fairness of the law came into question. Perhaps he also taught Jesus about standing up for what’s right even when it is contrary to the law. Found guilty of adultery, Mary would have been stoned, while a simple divorce would have sent her to her parents’ home to live in shame for the rest of her life. According to the Protevangelion, they both stood trial before the high priest, which further suggests that Joseph refused to give any testimony against Mary, and also that an angel visited his dream.
Joseph and Mary both testified they had no relations together. Perceived to be a liar, he was given the Water of the Lord to drink. The Book of Numbers 5:16-24 describes a trial normally administered to a woman suspected of adultery. It involves drinking holy water mixed with dust from the floor thus bringing on a curse that resulted in physical deformities and illness if the person was not telling the truth. In Joseph’s case, he drank and was sent away to a place where he could wither and die, but he returned unharmed. Mary and Joseph were released, and the gospels continue the story.
Through the Middle Ages Joseph was given a more subordinate role to Mary’s until finally, during the sixteenth century, a cult following began in the Roman Church, long after his popularity in the Eastern Church was established. Today he is revered as a model of Christian life, family, and schools. If his call was to demonstrate humility, patience, and justice, he did well, all the while acting as companion and protector of the Blessed Virgin and caregiver and teacher of Jesus the Lord. His following, though sometimes silent, is large and his name image lives on buildings and products that are part of today’s lives.
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