Joseph was a righteous Man : Following are some of the Areas to understand His Righteousness

Gospel Thoughts

Advent Season : 3rd Week - Friday

GOSPEL Mt 1:18-25

First Reading Jer 23:5-8

*Joseph was a righteous Man : Following are some of the Areas to understand His Righteousness*

*1) Since he was a righteous man*

The Gospel first if all clearly tells us that Joseph was a righteous  man. 

Joseph's righteousness is of special category. For this reason the Gospel clearly expresses this aspect 

The Gospel also tell us *Since he was righteous, Joseph did the following things. So his righteousness is concretely seen in the following areas. 

*A) Joseph was unwilling to expose her to shame*

This is where his righteousness speaks louder than anything else. 

Joseph didn't want to harm Mary in any way and wanted her name to be safe. 

Exposing one person to shame means, almost equal to killing that person 

When some one is exposed to shame, life becomes very difficult. 

*B) Joseph's righteousness is attuned, to listen to Gods plan*

The righteousness of Joseph is so great, that he was able to listen to God, and understand His plans 

Only a righteous person  is able to listen of God

*C) Joseph's Righteousness is seen in His belief in God's plan*

Joseph as a young man had lots of plans for the future. 

But when God communicated His plan, Joseph was ready to change is Beliefs,which alos presupposes that he firmly believed in Gods plan. 

A genuine righteousness makes a person to change his/her plan, in order to  adopt Gods plan 

*D) Josephs righteousness is reflected in knowing will of God through the dreams*

In fact the angel of the Lord, appeared to him, through the dreams

Joseph was ready to accept what was revealed in dreams, which needs tremendous courage and deep faith. For this reason he is a just man

*E) Joseph's  righteousness is clearly seen, when He took Mary as His wife*

Since He believed what was communicated to him, by the angel, through the dream, he followed it meticulously. 

He didn't think about, what public will think of me. He was thinking about, God will think of me? This shows a deep sense of his righteousness

*F) Josephs righteousness, is seen in his humility*

He was most humble person. His humility is of great inspiration to all of us. 

He never boasted himself for anything. Even when he knew that he has been chosen to become the foster Father of Jesus. 

*2) What about my righteousness?*

In which areas it is reflected.

  

Do I check once in a while, to see where is my righteousness

Let's try to live the righteousness of St Joseph,who will intercede for  all of us.

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*