March 19. St Joseph.  Mary’s husband being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame resolved to send her away quietly.    Fr Brian explained, “Pope Francis instituted 2021 as a Year for St Joseph with his letter Patris Corde, but he still continues to reflect on the role of Joseph. The letter describes Joseph from the perspective of fatherhood in a number of beautiful ways;  a beloved father, tender and loving father, obedient,  accepting, creatively courageous, working, but finally he refers to  “a father in the shadows.” The letter was written against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, which, he says, has helped us see more clearly the importance of “ordinary” people who, though far from the limelight, exercise patience and offer hope every day.  Often in life, things happen whose meaning we do not understand. Our first reaction is frequently one of disappointment and rebellion. Joseph set aside his own ideas in order to accept the course of events and, mysterious as they seemed, to embrace them, take responsibility and make them part of his own history. Unless we are reconciled with our own history, we will be unable to take a single step forward, for we will always remain hostage to our expectations and disappointments that follow.  The spiritual path that Joseph traces for us is not one that explains, but accepts. Only as a result of this acceptance, this reconciliation, can we begin to glimpse a broader history, a deeper meaning.”

In considering Joseph’s role ask how committed and responsible most men are as fathers, and especially foster or stepfathers in caring for those in their homes?  Are they offered help in managing this task? 

Reflect, share and act. Scripture: Her husband being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly.   But as he considered this an angel of the LORD appeared to him in a dream.   Matt 1:16-24. Pray the Prayer to St Joseph from Patris Corde.   Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man.   Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life.  Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil.  Amen Moral Regeneration Movement Positive Values 4.  Committed to the spirit of ubuntu we dedicate ourselves as a nation to enhance sound family and community values as core socializing units that inspire and create the moral and ethical values in society.  Choose an act of love and sacrifice from the list published at www.marfam.org.za/lent.