Site 22: Nazareth, Israel
Today we celebrate the solemnity of St. Joseph–truly, one of the greatest saints because his was the unique call from God to father Jesus.
I am not in Israel today honestly, but I do have photos I can share with you from my trip there a year ago. Here is a website actually that gives some details about the church.
The original Greek of the Gospel of Matthew, which recounts the story of Joseph receiving God’s call to assume fatherhood of Jesus, demonstrates that when Joseph was preparing to “divorce Mary quietly” he did it fully knowing that the child she bore was Christ. The text transmits that Joseph was leaving the situation out of fear, not feeling worthy to fill the fatherly role being asked of him, whereas in English it sounds as though Joseph is leaving because Mary is pregnant by someone else and Joseph is simply trying not to shame her.
In reality, Joseph fully understands the situation, and it is the angel who must assure him, “Joseph, son of David!” that he is the one God asks to fill this unique
role in His divine plan. With the utmost fidelity and humility, Joseph obeys the Lord and lives a life a great piety raising Jesus.
Mat 1:16, 18-21
Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
St. Joseph, pray for us!
The Pilgrimage 