Today is the feast of St. Joseph and so I thought it would be worth reflecting a little on this often overlooked character in the Biblical narrative.

Joseph, beloved of primary school boys everywhere as the role they must play in the annual school nativity (I too know the pain of being passed over for the role of Joseph) is rarely really the star (no pun intended) of the nativity story. Obviously, that role ought to go to Jesus, but, since he is an infant in the tale, it has historically been Mary who is the centre of attention - and not unjustly so. Mary's devotion and obedience to God is palpable and her role undeniably privileged, even as it puts her in a precarious situation.

But Joseph, too, shows incredible faithfulness and love in his actions. He shows love for Mary in his decision to break off their betrothal quietly when he first believes her to have been unfaithful. He does not want to ruin her (although it's probable that this would have done so already, he's still uncharacteristically gracious for a man of his time). He shows faithfulness to God in sticking with the marriage after his angelic dream, something which cannot have been easy.

Then we see that love and faithfulness tested by a long journey and a birth in difficult circumstances. We know, too, that he is still a faithful part of Jesus' life by the time the boy is twelve, and whilst it seems he had died by the time of Jesus' public ministry, Jesus' large family and the fact that his mother seems to have had the means to continue on her own suggest that he cared for them an very well.

Joseph's love for Mary and Jesus is a challenge to many men who might fail to provide for their families, or even consider family and faithfulness at all, but his faithfulness to God in uncertain and unseemly-looking circumstances is a challenge to us all. May we all respond to the call of God on our lives as be well as he.

Have you ever thought much about Joseph before? What do you think it might have been like to be in his position? Would you have trusted in angelic dreams or would you have preferred to safeguard your own reputation?