Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent

March 19, 2003

Yesterday we spoke of humility learned by the child who was reluctant to accept advice from his father, a professional carpenter.

Did Jesus refuse guidance from St. Joseph ? Did Jesus insist on knowing how to do it his way? Scripture does not record a single word about these events of the hidden years of Jesus' life. That doesn't mean that nothing important was said or done; for we can be sure that Joseph did many of the same kind of things we do.

He entered into business relationships with his customers. He entered into an engagement agreement with Mary. He suffered great distress when he learned his fiancé was pregnant, knowing he was not the father. He struggled with what to do--not to react-­but to take action with dignity and respect.

In his struggle, he asked direction from God. Humility did not prevent him standing front and center as a man of faith. When God answered Joseph's plea, through the message of an angel, he was told to follow through on the engagement--to take Mary as his wife, an despite the certainly confusing direction, Joseph did exactly as he was told.

Today we live in a culture bombarded with words and graphics. We are very much in need of a saint like Joseph, who can teach us to take time for silence, to find answers in silence, not in what we do or what we say, but most important of all, in being who we are--an answer, which can be found only in stillness.

Can you pay that price?