The Old Testament prophets always taught that the Messiah was to spring from the seed of David, the great hero-king to whom the Jews looked back with such pride. The prophecy was first declared by the prophet Nathan to King David himself: The LORD also declares to you that the LORD will make a house for you: when your days have been completed and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, sprung from your loins, and I will establish his kingdom.

He it is who shall build a house for my name, and I will establish his royal throne forever. (2 Samuel 7:11-13) Joseph was of the royal blood of David. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke show the lineage of Joseph to the Davidic king. Although Jesus is not the biological son of Joseph, he is the Son of Joseph by law and therefore has a legal right to be called a descendant of King David. Joseph is called “Son of David” by the angel who instructed him to take Mary into his home (Mt 1:20). The angel reminds him of his royal ancestry and the role God had given him in the coming of the Messiah. God gives each of us a role in His plan of salvation. You were born for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).

Reflect on the role God has given you and the people He has entrusted to you. St. Joseph, pray for me so that I may have the grace to carry out my role and care for the people God has entrusted to me. Pray the Litany of St. Joseph (ATTACHED).

Daily Challenge: Reflect on your exalted identity as a beloved son of God the Father and how you are helping those entrusted to your care grow closer to Jesus.