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Gospel Reflection for Wednesday, March 19, 2025
The truth is, in the Gospels, we don’t find much information about Joseph, Jesus’ father. Besides telling us that he was the husband or fiancé of Mary, Jesus’ mother, not much else is said. He’s a figure who always stays in the background, kind of in the shadows, overshadowed by the presence of Mary and, especially, Jesus. It couldn’t be any other way. Those who wrote the Gospels had to focus on what was essential, and that meant putting the spotlight on Jesus and little else.
But in the little information we have, there’s one detail that can help us see Joseph in a different light. In today’s Gospel, it says that he was “righteous.” Honestly, maybe you don’t need to say much more to describe someone. Saying that a person is righteous tells us that they’re good. Not in the sense of doing things well or being good at their job, but good as a person, with all that goodness implies. They’re good in their relationships, good in how they see others. A righteous person doesn’t let themselves be carried away by anger or violence. They’re peaceful. They go beyond just fulfilling the obligations of the law to live a life guided by mercy and understanding. If we have a problem, we know we can turn to a righteous person because they’ll listen, care, and understand. Joseph was righteous. You don’t need to say much more about him. It’s enough.
Today, we can remember all the righteous people who have been, are, and will be in our world. They’re people who go beyond ideologies and prejudices. That’s why they’re righteous. They’re also people who usually stay in the background. Being in the spotlight isn’t their thing. That’s for others. But they’re there, living simple lives, yet building brotherhood and justice through their way of being. We know we can always count on them because they’re righteous. They do what needs to be done without shouting or making a fuss. They don’t seek attention or praise. They’re simply by our side, accompanying us and lending a hand when we need it. Today, we give thanks for all those righteous people we’ve met along the journey of life.