When someone is
described as “not a man,” we unmistakably
know two things about the person: He is a male and he is woefully short on some
basic character qualities of masculinity.
Manhood is not so
much about anatomy and age as it is about a particular type of character. If we
did not all have a general idea that manhood is a definite and distinct thing,
the statement, “He is not a man,” would have little
meaning. But it has immediate meaning, and we take it as a strong rebuke upon
the person.
So, what are the
character qualities that mark healthy manhood? To be genuine, these qualities
marking manhood must apply generally to men across diverse cultures, not just
our own. Thus, revealing what God has placed in humanity and what God has made
the man to “be”. As we seek to
bring young men into healthy and authentic manhood, we must ask, “What are we shooting for, and what does manhood look like when
done successfully?”[1]
This is where the silence
of St. Joseph’s life in scripture becomes deafening. What do I mean? How many
lines does Joseph speak in scripture? NONE! Yet his presence speaks louder
than any words ever could concerning the characteristics of his manhood.
Today’s Gospel gives
us great insight to the character qualities of manhood:
“Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man…” He was faithful, God choose him, a quiet and humble man, who availed
himself to the laws and precepts of his faith, and “yet [he was] unwilling to expose [Mary] to shame, decided to
divorce her quietly.” (Mt 1:19) Even before they
lived together, he was her protector. In his respect for her and the dignity of her calling he refused to subject
her to further shame.
“…the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph,
son of David’” (Mt 1:20) Joseph is reminded
of his identity. His self-identity, his identity in relationship to his
wife, community, Judaism (as a culture & religion), The Law, and to God’s
will and plan.
The angel continues:
“do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.” (Mt 1:20) We lift Mary up for her faithfulness, trust,
and courage for her yes, Joseph’s yes is equal in faith, trust, and courage.
“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded
and took his wife into his home.” (Mt
1:24)
Joseph’s obedience is always immediate and without question, recognizing he is under
the authority of another, God. He learned this from his father, and Joseph will
teach this to his son, Jesus. Jesus whose obedience led him to accept even
death, death on a cross.
We find a key factor
for the development of a man’s character in the second reading, as Paul recalls
the story of Abraham, an old man with a barren wife. “It depends on faith, so that it may be a gift, and the promise may
be guaranteed to all his descendants, not to those who only adhere to the law
but to those who follow the faith of Abraham.” (Rom 4:16)
[1] Focus on the Family. “The Universal Qualities of a Man” by Glenn T. Stanton, July 18 2019.
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