Homily on the occasion of the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary and the 5th Anniversary of the Priestly Ordination of Rev. Fr. Jojo Monis at the Our Lady of Pentecost Parish, March 19, 2012.
In the gospel today, Joseph is described as righteous, which for the Jews technically means, one who adheres to the law, one who lives his life according to the prescriptions of the Law of Moses. That is why when Joseph came to know that Mary was with child and not of him, the gospel tells us that he decided to divorce her. Why? Because in such a situation, it was the just thing to do, it was the right thing to do according to the law. But before doing so, Joseph had a vision – an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream explaining the situation of Mary. This vision transformed Joseph. He did not proceed to divorce Mary. He took her as his wife. He took her into his home. From then on, Joseph was regarded as righteous not only because he adhered to the law but more importantly because he adhered to the Lord, the giver of the Law.
The story of Joseph is a witness to the transforming grace of God. The presence of God does not only inspire us, or strengthen us, or console us. More importantly, the presence of God transforms us. He transforms us into willing agents of his mysterious plan. He transforms us into obliging bearers of faith, hope and love.
Fr. Jojo, during our ordination, God transformed us. God transformed the very essence of our identity; that in every fiber of our being we have become God’s minister. Our every thought, our every action, our every word, our hands, our feet, our heart, they were all made into an unworthy vessel of God’s presence, dedicated to the service of God and his people. If God was able to transform us then, he can transform us now.
Fr. Jojo, your situation now may not be ideal – from being a parish priest to becoming an assistant parish priest; it may not be what you expected or what you have planned for yourself (I may not be the parish priest you would have wished I would be), but we trust in the transforming love of God. Remember, in Calvary, God transformed what was a sign of scandal and punishment into a powerful sign of hope and victory. This may seem incredible but in Calvary, God transformed the cross.
Fr. Jojo, five years ago you promised, among other things, “to maintain and deepen a spirit of prayer.” Renew your commitment to prayer for only in the intimacy of deep and personal prayer life can we remain confident in the face of the mysterious transforming presence of God.
St. Joseph, pray for us and for all priests. Amen.
