We see beautiful pictures and statues that romanticize the time the Holy Family spent together. Absolutely it was a time of great joys and blessings, but it was also a time with great sorrows. We look no further than to the very early time of the Holy Family. Joseph is about to leave Mary because she is pregnant and Joseph is not the biological father.

Before we look into this sorrow, let's clear up some common misconceptions. Did Joseph know that Mary was pregnant with the Son of God? In this circumstance, we hear, "she was found with child through the holy Spirit." [Matthew 1:18] At this point, we know that Mary knows it is the Son of God in her womb. It does not appear that God has told Joseph of this, yet. So has Mary told Joseph? Well, would Mary tell Joseph that it is his duty to be the virginal father for the Heavenly Father's Only Begotten Son? OR Would this be the duty of the Heavenly Father to tell Joseph? Surely, Mary is without sin and would never take for her something that is not her duty. Adam and Eve took what was not rightfully theirs, but Mary did not. Not at this time or any other time in her life.

This all sounds far-fetched. But remember, we are talking about the two holiest people outside of Jesus. But this points to the great anguish Joseph experienced on this account. Mary is pregnant and she has not told him how. He knows her to be so holy. Would he suspect her of adultery? Well, we know that Joseph is a just man, a truly holy man following God's laws. And in Numbers 35:30, it takes two witnesses to accuse someone of a crime against God's laws that would require stoning, adultery being one of those crimes requiring stoning. Of course, there are no witnesses to what happened outside of Mary and the angel. But they are not talking, or accusing. He could not be called a righteous man in the very same sentence as mentioning him leaving Mary quietly if he was doing so because he thought her guilty when she is not. Judgment is for God, even when it does not otherwise make sense. And this definitely does not make sense. Oh, the anguish of our Joseph.

And then comes the light. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream. "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." [Matthew 1:20-21] His sorrow has become joy. But even a greater joy than just an end to his anguish. He not only gets to keep Mary, but now he gets JESUS! If one could die of pure happiness, surely Joseph would have.

We have experienced sorrows in our lives too. Joseph knows how to bear them and still be called righteous. May we look to Joseph knowing that sometimes our sorrows can be a source of great joy, even when we do not see the possibility for joy.

Joseph, help us to bear our sorrows with great patience, especially if we are unable to see the possibility for joy. Amen.