ACTIONS MORE THAN WORDS
While in graduate school, one of my professors of scripture would often remind us of the importance of minor characters in the biblical stories. She believed that while they were titled minor for their few mentions, or lack of speaking lines, they actually played major roles in salvation history. Joseph, I believe, is the greatest of these. Since little is mentioned about him, much is left to our imagination. When I think about how Jesus treated people with tenderness and mercy, I can’t help but imagine that perhaps it was Joseph who modeled that for him. I imagine Joseph was a man in tune with his own inner life, possessing the capacity to be a healthy partner for Mary. I am so inspired by his example of what it means to show up.
Joseph shines as a role model for being a man of actions more than words. He chose to be the husband of Mary and father of Jesus, and, as far as we know, he stayed committed to that without glory or status. As we celebrate him on his Solemnity today, I feel moved to lift up all the people in my life whose actions have led me closer to God. I lift up all those who have shown me what it means to be a follower of Jesus, with actions more than words, especially in the small ways. I think of my friends who are parenting in a conscious, faith-led way, making daily sacrifices to raise children who are kind and compassionate. I think of my long-distance friends who always make themselves available to facetime or call me when I feel overwhelmed or in crisis. I think of colleagues who have stepped outside of their job duties to help me in mine. I think of all the essential workers who have shown up to do their job, whether remote or in-person, as best they can in the last two years. They teach me that it is often in the small, ordinary things that we can make a big difference in the lives of those around us.
Lent is a time to return to our original goodness, our true identity in God. I examine my daily habits today and ask myself, how can I follow the example of Joseph in showing up for others? How can I follow the example of Joseph in staying committed to my choices? In prayer, I thank God for all those who have shown up for me and drawn me closer to God’s love.
Who is a role model of faith for you? Whose example inspires you to follow Jesus? How can you live your faith with more conviction in daily life?
Ana Lopez