The Quiet Way

Joseph joyfully anticipates marriage,

A celebration of two families honoring mutual love.

Then the unimaginable happens.

She is pregnant.

She is leaving to stay with her cousin.

When she returns she will show.

Will she face judgment and stoning?

In the quiet, Joseph dreams.

Disgraceful?

No, she is full of grace.

Joseph marries her — quietly.

 

Joseph is guiding her.

The Bethlehem journey is difficult.

She is in labor.

She is so young.

There is no place for them.

Where can she give birth?

In the quiet Joseph prays.

A stable for animals?

No, a humble beginning announced by angels.

A prophesy fulfilled.

Joseph witnesses the holy event — quietly.

 

Joseph faces another danger.

Herod is searching.

He wants the baby’s life.

How can he protect his son?

In the quiet Joseph dreams.

Flee to Egypt?

A foreign land, miles from family and culture?

No, Egypt, a safe haven,

A place of anonymity,

To let the dust settle.

Joseph escapes with his family — quietly.

 

Joseph fashions wood.

He provides for his family.

The baby is growing.

It is safe, but Egypt is not home.

And it has been two years.

Joseph wonders,

Will they ever see their families again?

In the quiet Joseph dreams.

Herod is dead.

It is safe to return.

Joseph leads his family home to Nazareth — quietly.

 

Prayer

 

St. Joseph, truster of quiet,

May we, like you,

Embrace the unimaginable,

Witness the holy in daily events,

Recognize safety in a God who cares,

Find our way Home,

Quietly