Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
- What was the relationship between Mary and Joseph at the point of this narrative?
- What was Joseph’s initial response when he discovered Mary was “with child”?
- What changed his course of action?
- What information did the angel reveal to Joseph?
- After the angel visitation, what did Joseph do?
Meditation on Scripture
Joseph’s role surely was the most awkward in the unfolding drama. To begin with, his bafflement must have been overwhelming. His normally sane, sincere betrothed was declaring herself pregnant – but not with his child. Many a story has been contrived throughout the generations to explain an unexpected pregnancy. But Mary’s story – conceived by the Holy Sprit – was, paradoxically, inconceivable!
The angel clarified Joseph’s unique position for sure, but there was still the skeptical friends and family. Could he really expect them to “believe” their explanations?!
Auden effectively conveys in poetry Joseph’s Plight through the interjected voice of the Chorus:
Joseph, you have heard
What Mary says occurred:
Yes, it may be so.
Is it likely? No.
Mary may be pure,
But Joseph, are you sure?
How is one to tell?
Suppose, for instance… Well…
Maybe, maybe not.
But, Joseph, you know what
Your world, of course, will say
About you anyway.
The Narrator concludes the struggles of Joseph with these words of counsel:
“To choose what is difficult all one’s days
As if it were easy, that is faith. Joseph, praise.”
