JOSEPH OF NAZARETH AS A FATHER CLOSE TO THE VIRGIN: A REINTERPRETATION OF EDEN

Abstract

The article focuses on St. Joseph betrothed to the Virgin Mary. As a descendant of David he was chosen as the Bridegroom of the Virgin of Nazareth who later agreed to be the Mother of God Incarnate at the moment of the Annunciation. Thus, the fulfillment of Father’s eternal will also uniquely affected Joseph. Through his entrustment and obedience to God’s plan he became the builder of a house for the Lord and through receiving Mary under his roof he was the Guardian of the Mother of the Beautiful Love. As a faithful and just servant of God’s mysteries he serves as a model for spiritual growth. The spousal love of Mary and Joseph turns our attention to the first human couple, Adam and Eve. Thanks to Mary and Joseph, our “return” to the Garden of Eden is possible. Numerous episodes from Joseph’s life allow us to view him as a man of divine Providence and the protector of life, first of the Redeemer himself and then of all the redeemed. The vital role of Joseph of Nazareth in God’s plans and among God’s children in the holy Church is confirmed by the revelation, the liturgy of the Church and the example of life of the faithful. The light of the Old Testament announcements and promises, as well as the New Testament events that constitute their fulfilment, are brought into focus in the figure of the Guardian of our Redeemer. The Head of the Holy Family is the guarantor of the fulfillment of what the prophets foretold for centuries. The Spouse of Mother of God somehow renews the “role” of Adam from the Garden of Eden. As the Guardian and Teacher of the New Adam, the Christ, with his faithful attitude and consent to participate in the plans of God the Father, he already anticipates what would be fully lived by the Son of God, the meek and humble Redeemer of humanity.