And the Oscar for Best SUpporting Role Goes To…

Thursday March 19

Readings: 2 SM 7:4-5A, 12-14A, 16; ROM 4:13, 16-18, 22; MT 1:16, 18-21, 24A

In Catholic circles, today is the feast of St. Joseph.  He is celebrated as the “earthly father” of Jesus (that whole theology requires more time than we have in this blog!) and is also recognized as the patron saint of workers, fathers, travelers, and immigrants (among other things).

Today’s readings focus on ancestry – helping us connect someone like Joseph to Abraham – working to help us see that Jesus is “related” through the line of David.

Think back for a moment to those who have come before you in your family (however you define that) [1].   Are there any characters from your family history who stand out for you?  What risks and sacrifices were made by people before you?  What attributes, ways of being in the world or values are being carried on in your life? Do you particularly identify any with anyone from your ancestry?  How often do you think of them or draw from their strength and wisdom?

Then the gospel tells the story of Joseph.  He has no “speaking lines” in scripture and is really a “minor” character in many ways.  Yet his actions are very impactful.  He tries to do what is right, trusts his dreams to make big decisions and listens carefully to an inner voice.  He takes some big risks without much to go on.  But he also plays a supporting role and does it well.  He just tries to love his family, works to support them and does it without flash, fanfare or attention.

What I like about Joseph is that he provides a counter-narrative to the “hero” motif that dominates our culture.  In our movies and popular stories, it is almost always the person (and admittedly the white male) who does the grand, big action that saves the day and is celebrated and held up as the most valuable person.  They are the hero who does great and astounding things. 

Joseph, however, embodies something else (and is, in fact, a very good teacher for many men who strive to de-center themselves in a patriarchal system).  He has doubts, doesn’t have a master plan and trusts the guidance and lead of God and a woman (very radical for his time).   He tries to do what is right so that others may succeed and be well.  And this is recognized as holy work.

I think of all the people these days who are doing this during the coronavirus outbreak.  I saw a meme recently that said it is really all of the service workers, health care workers and people doing the “ordinary” jobs that are finally getting more attention than the professional athletes, actors and politicians.  So many people are doing what Mother Theresa called, “small things with great love” so that others may be well and cared for in the midst of crisis.

I invite you to reflect today: What supporting role(s) do you take up?  What risks, sacrifices, encouragement and support do you give so that someone else may thrive?  What do you in the day-to-day so that someone else’s life may turn out OK?  Who do you remember in prayer and action so that they will be well?

As we reflect today, just take a few minutes to call to mind those who have made it possible for you to be here and the ways that you make it possible for others to be here.  This is holy and good work.

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[1] I know for some people, family history can be a difficult thing due to personal circumstances, not knowing much about your history, not wanting to connect with your history, etc.  So think about “family” in whatever ways seem best for you – families of chance and families of choice – and the lineages that we claim and find membership in do not require blood connection of any kind.