Da Techguy's (no longer backup) Blog

I was watching one of those little 30 minute films on Catholic TV this morning showing the Christmas story (I think it was El Salvador produced by Fr. Patrick Payton’s Family Theatre, he of “The Family that prays’ together stays together” fame.). The narration was Bing Crosby and Frankie Avalon appeared in studio after with Fr Payton talking about it.

While I was watching the show, something hit me right across the face.

If you take a look at Scripture there is a difference between the way Mary and Joseph communicate with the messengers of the Lord.

Gabriel appears to Mary directly, she sees and hears him and immediately obeys, the angel pays her homage and says the words that will become the Hail Mary. Mary being immaculate, obeys “behold I am the handmaiden of the Lord…” even knowing that the law could condemn her to death and at the very least she will be shamed. If you think people can be gossips now, consider how it must have been with no TV, Radio, books (scrolls) and literacy rare, what else was there to do BUT gossip? It must have been nasty.

Meanwhile we have Joseph. How does he he get his information? From Dreams and from what Mary tells her.

The Gospel is not explicit as to what he thought but put yourself in his place. Your betrothed has turned up pregnant and she tells you about the Angel of the Lord etc. If you don’t turn her in then your own sin is suspected. Then you have your dream.

The dream gives you the excuse you want to let things be but deep inside the question turns in your head. You KNOW you didn’t touch her, was it really a dream from God, or are you just fooling yourself. Is it a test of faith? I’m a carpenter not a prophet? Am I another Amos?

You take her to the house, you follow the rules of the census and you end up in a stable in Bethlehem all the while doing your best to be a good husband ignoring the elephant in the room.

The Baby is born, a torrent of emotions are going through your wife and yourself …

…and then the Shepherds appear…

…they come out of nowhere. They give homage, in that moment, they confirm that all you have done was right. Even better they tell their story to everyone (Luke 2: 8-18) what do the Gossips say now?

You are Joseph, how relieved are you at this point? Remember unlike Peter he didn’t have years of miracles in front of his face when he denied Christ, he only had the word of a teenage girl and a dream. There would have been little cost to him if he condemned Mary. Yet he didn’t and this moment was that ultimate reward. He passed the ultimate test of faith with flying colors.

A lot of times we consider St. Joseph an afterthought, he deserves better.

Update: I can’t believe I made that spelling mistake corrected, no wonder Tucker hasn’t called.