Joseph followed God with his whole heart including all of God's laws. Now, after forty days, Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the temple for the ritual purification. And in his poverty, Joseph is only able to offer "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons" [Luke 2:24] as was allowed "if she cannot afford a lamb." [Leviticus 12:8] You see, the offering was a purification for Mary after childbirth. And we know that Mary did bring a lamb. The Lamb of God that would bring purification and redemption to all of us.

Joseph desired to give God more, like he always did, but he did bring Jesus to the temple to consecrate Jesus to God as was prescribed in the law. An act Joseph did with his whole heart. And now, Simeon comes. He takes Jesus into his arms and recognized the Son of God in his arms, thanking and blessing God. How much consolation Mary and Joseph receive in seeing someone recognize Jesus for Who He is. This is truly a blessed and joyful event. Until...

Simeon tells of Jesus' Passion and Mary's participation with a pierced heart. Mary and Joseph's joy has turned into sorrow. Joseph also realizes that he will not be present at Jesus' Passion. Otherwise, Simeon would have talked of Joseph's pierced heart, which feels pierced already. He knows that he will be unable to help them in their greatest need. The best he can do is support them now and prepare them. Joseph's two greatest treasures are going to suffer much. But therein lies some consolation. Salvation. Jesus will suffer for the salvation of the world and Mary will unite her sufferings with Jesus' ultimate suffering. Joseph offers now his sufferings in obedience to God's will, accepting and bearing this suffering like all other sufferings he has or will endure.

We can be like Joseph, offering our sufferings to God. We can be like Mary, uniting our sufferings with Jesus' ultimate suffering on the Cross. Sufferings, of course, we will and have encountered. And what do sufferings NOT united to Jesus' ultimate suffering do? Nothing. At least nothing positive. They can make us bitter or worse. Yet sufferings united to Jesus' ultimate suffering is a great act of love. A love tested in fire. Then, we can say with St. Paul, "I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church." [Colossians 1:24] The only thing lacking being our sufferings united to Jesus' suffering.

Joseph, help me to offer my sufferings in union with Jesus'. Help me to see the great benefit it brings me and others. If I cannot see these benefits, please hold my hand and strengthen me to bear my sufferings for love of Jesus Who suffered so much for me. Amen.