“In the Gospel we heard that “Joseph did as the angel of the Lord
commanded him and took Mary as his wife” (Mt 1:24). These words already
point to the mission which God entrusts to Joseph: he is to be the
custos, the protector... How does Joseph exercise his role as protector?
Discreetly, humbly and silently, but with an unfailing presence and utter
fidelity, even when he finds it hard to understand... How does Joseph respond to
his calling to be the protector of Mary, Jesus and the Church? By being
constantly attentive to God, open to the signs of God’s presence and receptive
to God’s plans, and not simply to his own... God does not want a house built by
men, but faithfulness to his word, to his plan. It is God himself who builds the
house, but from living stones sealed by his Spirit. Joseph is a “protector”
because he is able to hear God’s voice and be guided by his will; and for this
reason he is all the more sensitive to the persons entrusted to his safekeeping.
He can look at things realistically, he is in touch with his surroundings, he
can make truly wise decisions. In him, dear friends, we learn how to respond to
God’s call, readily and willingly, but we also see the core of the Christian
vocation, which is Christ! Let us protect Christ in our lives, so that we can
protect others, so that we can protect creation!” ~Pope
Francis
Full text of Inaugural Mass homily: http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-homily-for-inaugural-mass-of-petrine-ministry
