Pope: St. Joseph, the most modest, poor and wise

At the Angelus, Pope Francis praises the figure of the putative father of Jesus. "Unwavering trust in God allowed him to accept a humanly difficult and, in a certain sense, incomprehensible situation".  A greeting to Italians who live "in severely polluted territories" and to families: "May Christmas be an occasion for all for fraternity, growth in faith and gestures of solidarity towards those in need".

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Pope Francis today dedicated hisreflection before the Angelus entirely to the figure of Joseph, "the most modest" when compared to Mary and John the Baptist, "poor because he lives with what is essential", but who encapsulates "Christian wisdom", referring to today's gospel (4th of Advent, A, Mt 1,18-24).

Francis explained the Gospel passage verse by verse, starting from Joseph's "surprise" when faced with Mary's pregnancy, his not reacting "in an impulsive and punitive way", his search for "a solution that respects the dignity and integrity of his beloved Mary ".  In fact, he "knew very well that, if he had denounced his betrothed, he would have exposed her to serious consequences, even to death"

But after the angel's intervention, "Joseph totally trusts God, obeys the Angel's words and takes Mary with him".

“It was precisely this unshakeable trust in God - underlines the Pope - that allowed him to accept a humanly difficult and, in a certain sense, incomprehensible situation.  Joseph understands, in faith, that the child born in Mary's womb is not his son, but he is the Son of God and he, Joseph, will be his custodian, fully assuming his earthly fatherhood.  The example of this mild and wise man urges us to look up and impells us further.  It is a matter of recovering the surprising logic of God who, far from small or large calculations, is comprised of openness to new horizons, towards Christ and his Word ".

After the Marian prayer, Francis greeted a delegation of Italian citizens present in the square, "who live in severely polluted territories and who aspire to a better quality of the environment and a just protection of their health".

He then expressed a wish for all families: “my thought - he said - goes especially to the families, who are reunited during these holidays: those who live far from their parents leave and go home; brothers and sisters who try to find each other.  May Christmas be an occasion for all for fraternity, growth in faith and gestures of solidarity towards those in need.  And may Saint Joseph accompany us on this journey towards Christmas ”.