from NewsDay media transcript:
In the Gospel we heard that 'Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary as his wife' (Mt 1:24). These words already point to the mission that God entrusts to Joseph: he is to be the 'custos', the protector. The protector of whom? Of Mary and Jesus; but this protection is then extended to the Church, as Blessed John Paul II pointed out: 'Just as Saint Joseph took loving care of Mary and gladly dedicated himself to Jesus Christ’s upbringing, he likewise watches over and protects Christ’s Mystical Body, the Church, of which the Virgin Mary is the exemplar and model' (Redemptoris Custos, 1).
How does Joseph exercise his role as protector? Discreetly, humbly, and silently, but with an unfailing presence and utter fidelity, even when he finds it hard to understand. From the time of his betrothal to Mary until the finding of the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem, he is there at every moment with loving care. As the spouse of Mary, he is at her side in good times and bad, on the journey to Bethlehem for the census and in the anxious and joyful hours when she gave birth; amid the drama of the flight into Egypt and during the frantic search for their child in the Temple; and later in the day-to-day life of the home of Nazareth, in the workshop where he taught his trade to Jesus.
How does Joseph respond to his calling to be the protector of Mary, Jesus and the Church? By being constantly attentive to God, open to the signs of God’s presence and receptive to God’s plans and not simply to his own. This is what God asked of David, as we heard in the first reading. God does not want a house built by humans, but faithfulness to his word, to his plan. It is God himself who builds the house, but from living stones sealed by his Spirit. Joseph is a “protector” because he is able to hear God’s voice and be guided by his will; and for this reason he is all the more sensitive to the persons entrusted to his safekeeping. He can look at things realistically, he is in touch with his surroundings, he can make truly wise decisions. In him, dear friends, we learn how to respond to God’s call, readily and willingly, but we also see the heart of the Christian vocation, which is Christ! Let us protect Christ in our lives, so that we can protect others, so that we can protect creation!
The vocation of being a 'protector', however, is not just something involving us Christians alone; it also has a prior dimension which is simply human, involving everyone. It means protecting all creation, the beauty of the created world, as the Book of Genesis tells us and as Saint Francis of Assisi showed us. It means respecting each of God’s creatures and respecting the environment in which we live. It means protecting people, showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about. It means caring for one another in our families: husbands and wives first protect one another, and then, as parents, they care for their children, and children themselves, in time, protect their parents. It means building sincere friendships in which we protect one another in trust, respect, and goodness. In the end, everything has been entrusted to our protection, and all of us are responsible for it. Be protectors of God’s gifts!
http://www.newsday.com/news/world/transcript-pope-francis-s-homily-at-inaugural-mass-1.4844989
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additional information / review at NCR ONLINE dot-org:
"The leader of Constantinople should be here," Charters said, standing among several other priests from the academy. "It's a sign of charity among all the Christian churches."
As Francis began his homily Tuesday, he addressed the crowd -- dignitaries included -- as "brothers and sisters," a way he has been addressing people in each of his public appearances since March 13.
Francis also said the fact that they were celebrating his inauguration on the feast of St. Joseph was a "significant coincidence," as Joseph is Pope Benedict's birth name.
"We are close to him with our prayers, full of affection and gratitude," Francis said of his predecessor.
Francis also said Joseph's example as protector of the church should extend to humanity's protection of creation.
Being a protector, the pope said, is not just a Christian calling, but also "has a prior dimension which is simply human, involving everyone."
"It means respecting each of God's creatures and respecting the environment in which we live," Francis said. "It means protecting people, showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about."
"In the end, everything has been entrusted to our protection, and all of us are responsible for it," he continued. "Be protectors of God's gifts."
As he concluded his homily, Francis invoked the intercession of Mary, Joseph, Peter, Paul and St. Francis of Assisi before ending: "I ask all of you to pray for me. Amen."
Among dozens of flags in the crowd were those of Argentina, Brazil, the United States, Turkey, France, Iran, Spain, China and the United Kingdom. Many in the crowd also held signs. One, signed "Colombia," read in Spanish: "Francis, friend of peace."
http://ncronline.org/news/vatican/francis-inaugural-mass-pope-must-be-servant-inspired-lowly
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