St. Joseph: Exemplar of Trust in God

The Cycle of Catechesis – Jubilee 2025: Jesus Christ our Hope

The following text includes parts that were not read out loud, but should be considered as such.

Part I: The Infancy of Jesus

3. “You are to name Him Jesus” (Mt 1:21)

The annunciation to Joseph

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

Today, we delve into the depths of Jesus our hope as we explore the mystery of His origins through the lens of the infancy Gospels.

While Luke presents us with the perspective of the mother, the Virgin Mary, Matthew offers us a glimpse from the viewpoint of Joseph, the man who embraces the legal paternity of Jesus, connecting him to the lineage of Jesse and the promise made to David.

Jesus embodies the fulfillment of the hope of Israel. He is the descendant promised to David, the shoot that buds from Jesse’s trunk, the righteous Branch who will reign with justice and righteousness in the land.

Joseph enters the scene in Matthew’s Gospel as Mary’s betrothed. Betrothal, a significant legal bond among the Hebrews, symbolized the impending marriage celebration where the woman transitions from her father’s custody to her husband’s home, preparing for motherhood.

When Joseph discovers Mary’s pregnancy during this period, his love faces a severe test. Faced with a dilemma that could lead to the dissolution of their betrothal, Joseph, described as a “righteous” man, chooses wisdom guided by divine inspiration. He decides to part with Mary quietly, demonstrating his openness and docility to the voice of the Lord.

Joseph’s story echoes that of Joseph, son of Jacob, known for his dreams. Joseph of Nazareth dreams of the miracle unfolding in Mary’s life and the divine promise of fatherhood he is called to embrace. Through a heavenly revelation, Joseph accepts God’s plan with faith, hope, and love, becoming a vessel for the salvation of all.

Joseph’s silence speaks volumes as he embodies the obedience and trust required to fulfill God’s will. Like Joseph, let us strive to listen more, speak less, and embrace God’s dreams for our lives, welcoming Jesus into our hearts with faith and love.

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Special greetings:

I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors, especially those from Australia, the United States, and Hong Kong. Special greetings to the faculty and students from the Australian Catholic University and Franciscan University of Steubenville. May this Jubilee of Hope be a time of grace and spiritual renewal for you and your families. May the joy and peace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.

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Summary of the Holy Father’s words:

Dear brothers and sisters, as we reflect on the theme “Jesus Christ our Hope” in this Holy Year, let us draw inspiration from the example of Saint Joseph. A just man obedient to God’s will, Joseph embraced his role as the legal father of Jesus with faith and trust. Through his quiet faith and obedience, Joseph became a model for us to respond generously to God’s plan, welcoming Jesus into our hearts and homes with hope and love.