Gospel in Art: Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saint Joseph and the Christ Child by Guido Reni, 1640 © Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Texas

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 19 March 2025
Luke 2:41-51a

The parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, 'Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.' And he said to them, 'Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?' And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them.

Reflection on the painting

Today, 19th March, has been dedicated to Saint Joseph since the 10th century, honouring the man entrusted with the care of Jesus and Mary. Of all the saints, I hold him particularly dear in my personal faith journey. Remarkably, none of the Gospels record any words spoken by Joseph, yet his eloquent silence speaks volumes about his character! He was a man of love, care, obedience, humility, and discretion, working quietly in the background-qualities to which we can all aspire.

Joseph's life was not without its challenges. He experienced deep worry when he discovered that Mary, his betrothed, was pregnant. Yet, upon receiving the angel's reassurance in a dream (that the child was conceived through the Holy Spirit) Joseph responded with trust and obedience, taking Mary into his home as his wife. He embraced the role of father with a heart full of love and responsibility. Joseph was not only contemplative but also a man of action: finding a stable when no room was available at the inn, fleeing to Egypt to protect his family, and guiding them safely back to Nazareth. In each of these moments, he was actively engaged in God's plan, performing ordinary tasks with extraordinary faithfulness.

Joseph's example encourages us to serve God wholeheartedly, even in the everyday, trusting that small acts of obedience can play a part in God's greater purpose. Our painting by Guido Reni presents a tender and intimate depiction of Saint Joseph holding the Christ Child. Reni, one of the most celebrated Italian painters of his time, achieved immense success during his lifetime, earning the affectionate title "the divine Guido." In this work, Saint Joseph is portrayed as a simple, humble man, tenderly embracing his adopted son. The fruit held by the infant Jesus serves as a rich symbol, reminding viewers of both the fall of humanity in Eden and the fruitfulness of redemption brought about through Christ's future sacrifice. There is something profoundly moving in the way this elderly father holds his child.

The Christ Child is painted with remarkable lightness and grace, almost floating upon Joseph's hands. Despite his infancy, Jesus exudes an extraordinary awareness and spiritual authority, gently affirming his role as the spiritual master, even over his earthly father. His soft, luminous glow symbolises His divine nature, contrasting beautifully with Joseph's aged, earthly appearance. Joseph holds Him with such ease that Jesus seems to weigh no more than a feather, enhancing the impression of the heavenly presence embodied in the Child.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-2-41-51a-2025/ (with audio)