tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post6472641004050988088..comments2024-03-05T11:44:26.154-08:00Comments on The New Theological Movement: Did St. Joseph suspect the Blessed Virgin Mary of sin?Father Ryan Erlenbushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557817305024750902noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-57945667555373662722010-12-23T10:48:52.747-08:002010-12-23T10:48:52.747-08:00Reginaldus--
thanks for the prayers.
I don't t...Reginaldus--<br />thanks for the prayers.<br />I don't think our traditions are as different at the core as we might like to think. We still rise and fall on the wonders of what God has done coming for us to live: teach and heal, to die, and to rise.<br />Pax<br />JohnJohn, an unlikely pastorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03688838648252031328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-63123814706244216922010-12-23T09:08:02.587-08:002010-12-23T09:08:02.587-08:00@Unlikely, My prayers are with you this day!
Also,...@Unlikely, My prayers are with you this day!<br />Also, I am very glad that you feel comfortable reading and commenting on this blog (though you come from a different faith tradition). Christmas blessings to you!Father Ryan Erlenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07557817305024750902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-63100820209975689712010-12-23T08:37:43.445-08:002010-12-23T08:37:43.445-08:00I'd like to ask readers for prayers for my mar...I'd like to ask readers for prayers for my marriage today and for all who are married. Guide us God to follow in your ways and not in the ways that seem right to us. Enliven us to angels word to Joseph, "Fear not".<br />AMENJohn, an unlikely pastorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03688838648252031328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-34218809615494419492010-12-23T04:55:07.352-08:002010-12-23T04:55:07.352-08:00Having said that I do not believe Joseph suspected...Having said that I do not believe Joseph suspected Mary (based on a close reading of the text), I nonetheless realise it is not a matter of doctrine - and indeed the 'lens' of doubt and Joseph's example in overcoming it can be very powerful. For example, I found this trailer for a BBC program portraying Joseph's doubts in this matter to be very moving http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgERc0uJaJ0&feature=player_embedded. If you can't open the link, I've posted it on my blog also.Paddyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10112119118958158131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-51230917323426132522010-12-22T14:01:27.675-08:002010-12-22T14:01:27.675-08:00James, God bless you in your discernment! Yes, ind...James, God bless you in your discernment! Yes, indeed, we have much to learn about family life from the Holy Family. Also, St. Joseph is a great model of true Christian manhood and fatherhood. Blessings to you and a merry Christmas!Father Ryan Erlenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07557817305024750902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-43685881211032329372010-12-22T13:42:20.911-08:002010-12-22T13:42:20.911-08:00I like these sorts of posts, especially when you a...I like these sorts of posts, especially when you are clear about saying that this isn’t doctrine, but speculation. They are very useful for meditation. It raises our minds above our usual sinfulness to imagine life as the saint perceives it. Thinking in these idealized ways helps us make ideal, virtuous choices in our own circumstance. As a young man discerning marriage, meditating on this particular event in this manner will be meritorious.James Zahlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02424492133524217606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-27380291331306191162010-12-21T20:36:20.727-08:002010-12-21T20:36:20.727-08:00@Bernard, Blessings to you! I am glad to hear that...@Bernard, Blessings to you! I am glad to hear that this post has helped in some small way with the life of prayer.<br />I am certain that, if only you persevere, God will provide you with the Spiritual Direction you are looking for.<br />I will keep you in my prayers! Thank you for your prayers as well.Father Ryan Erlenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07557817305024750902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-81482719702999625432010-12-21T19:27:44.963-08:002010-12-21T19:27:44.963-08:00Dear Fr. Reginaldus,
@Reginaldus Dec. 21, 2010 8:0...Dear Fr. Reginaldus,<br />@Reginaldus Dec. 21, 2010 8:06AM<br /><br />You make a very important point in this discussion. In understanding the mystery of the the birth of Jesus, we need to meditate on the Gospel message especially one Holy Church selects for us. And, in this Gospel, we do need to pray to St. Joseph and ask him what was on his heart. I feel certain he is not going to text me or IM me out of the blue with a one on one, but I never know what deepening of faith I will be allowed. And I believe St. Joseph will offer wise and learned insight if asked.<br />And to have the Church Fathers offer instruction allows a grace filled enlightenment I would never be able to do alone.<br />I want to thank you for references I was unaware of (Navarre Bible and Fr. Cornelius a'Lapide).<br />I wish you a very Blessed and Holy Christmas. I continue to keep you in my prayers. Please pray for me especially that I may be graced with a Holy Spiritual Director.Bernardushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09343171766154713726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-22542345006266189372010-12-21T19:09:30.576-08:002010-12-21T19:09:30.576-08:00@Fernando, While I do not think that your comment ...@Fernando, While I do not think that your comment is deserving of a reply, I will nevertheless address one point.<br /><br />You say that I present the Church Fathers and Doctors as an "homogenious reality", criticizing me for glossing over the diversity.<br />I suspect you are intending to claim that the first 100 years of the Church are in contradiction with the next 1800 years and that, only after the "Modernism" movement in the late 1800's, did the Church come back to the Truth in 1960's or so. [this is obviously not a position which is open to Catholics]<br /><br />I would only make this one comment: I have most certainly not presented the Fathers and Doctors as though they all spoke with one united voice. I have very clearly stated (in many articles and also in this article) that there is great diversity of opinion. If you take the time to re-read the article, you will see that I have clearly given three very different interpretations of the text -- all of which have been supported by different Fathers and Doctors. Certainly, there is great room for diversity in this matter; I am in no way trying to come down with an iron fist.<br /><br />One thing is not at all acceptable, however -- that is, to dismiss the Tradition and to adopt instead a hermeneutic of rupture, rejecting the doctrine of the Church for the modern "insights" of (mostly) non-catholic (and often non-Christian) scholars.Father Ryan Erlenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07557817305024750902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-4482509104839508402010-12-21T19:02:20.265-08:002010-12-21T19:02:20.265-08:00@MichaelP,
I think you could certainly be correct ...@MichaelP,<br />I think you could certainly be correct -- there is no question that St. Luke writes in a way to make a connection between the Ark of the Covenant and the Blessed Virgin Mary; uniting the Visitation with the Uzzah story (in which the man dies for having touched the Ark, in 1 Chronicles 13ff)...<br /><br />The interpretation you bring up is certainly a valid option (following Origen, Basil, Bernard etc)...I, personally, do not think that this was what made Joseph "afraid" at first, but I am sure he was comforted to know that he was chosen by God and so it would not be out of place for him to serve as the guardian and care-taker of the Virgin and Child.<br /><br />Thanks for the addition!Father Ryan Erlenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07557817305024750902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-84960833467487101732010-12-21T18:55:47.876-08:002010-12-21T18:55:47.876-08:00Fernando, Your comments prove your character.
Pl...Fernando, Your comments prove your character. <br /><br />Please cease to use such hate-speech regarding canonized saints (namely St. Josemaria Escriva)...<br />In the future, I will block any comments in which you defame saints of the Church.<br /><br />For the present, I will leave your comments as a testimony to the readers of NTM -- all can see what sort of person hates Opus Dei, and what sort of "theologian" prefers the modernist movement to the sound doctrine established by the Church's 2000 year Tradition (which is a continuous unity, even if there is a great deal of room for diversity)...Father Ryan Erlenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07557817305024750902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-70830337385534055312010-12-21T12:40:57.953-08:002010-12-21T12:40:57.953-08:00Reginaldus,
I would also like to add that the OT ...Reginaldus,<br /><br />I would also like to add that the OT Ark could not be touched without one losing his life. Could this somewhat shed light on what Joseph may have been afraid of? Or would this not come into play if he already vowed to not have marital relations with Mary?<br /><br />MichaelCM7https://www.blogger.com/profile/07438061668265715771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-69255129939217354712010-12-21T02:20:22.055-08:002010-12-21T02:20:22.055-08:00By the way... you, dear Reginaldus, saide: «It is ...By the way... you, dear Reginaldus, saide: <i>«It is clear that Mary and Joseph had together vowed virginity, since Mary says to the angel, “How can this be, since I know not man?”»</i>...<br /><br />really? really? is this as clear as you think? the text only sais thate Mary did not habe sexuall intercorses untill thate time... nothing more, nothing less... in order to see in the text something else one must habe an enourmous imagination... don't you think so?Fernandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05007502003217435581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-4282712952453688292010-12-21T02:13:11.723-08:002010-12-21T02:13:11.723-08:00Dear Reginaldus... as a matter off fact I'll r...Dear Reginaldus... as a matter off fact I'll read anie blogg I want, any time I want and I'll comment your "articles" anytime I want eben when you follow Opus Day [thate organization founded by someone who changed is name because his baptistic name was nott noble enough]'s Commentary... sure you can ignore my comments and eben block them, butt thate will say a lot aboutte your Christian heart...<br /><br />butt place a mirror in frontt off you before you lett the axx follow on person likke me...you saide to me <i>«[you] make vague innuendos and avoid making any real claims»</i>...<br /><br />really?<br /><br />1) it's you thate generalized when talked aboutt "modernist theologians" withoutt giving any example off your claimms;<br /><br />2) it's you thate are always speaking off "The Fathers off the Church" and the "Doctors off the Church" as these are an homogenious reallity and not, as they are, a contrasting reallity... more: you eben do nott presente any proff thate these agree withe you...<br /><br />so: the previous 1800 years should be neglected always when those 1800 years are againstte the previous 100 [the time I reccon the NT was written]... butt it seams you do never incorpore the last 100 years in your thoughts and texts... so: it's you thate are making a separation in the Tradition as this one comes into our days and did not stop in the year 1900... just see the names you presented for good schollars... they do not overcome the year 1700...<br /><br />may you habe a good Christmas and may the incomming God heal your soul and hoppen your heart to the truth wherever it is eben iff it is in ourdays ""modern schoolars" thate deny some aspects off the Tradition thate shoold neber habe apperaed...Fernandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05007502003217435581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-50246683377981243512010-12-20T23:06:12.203-08:002010-12-20T23:06:12.203-08:00@Timothy Joseph,
I think that we are misunderstand...@Timothy Joseph,<br />I think that we are misunderstanding each other here...<br />When I say that Joseph and Mary lived as "brother and sister", I am using the phrase according to the common euphemism to mean simply that their marriage was not consummated by sexual intercourse. <br />Of course, I do not literally mean that Joseph and Mary acted as a "big brother and sister" for Jesus! <br />Of course their marriage was a true marriage, one of great love...but their was no sexual/genital relation between Joseph and Mary [I would not use such blunt language, but you seem not to understand the common more polite ways of speaking of such things].<br /><br />Regarding your statement: That thinking about such matters (as what Joseph was really thinking when he intended to "put Mary away secretly") will "fracture the faith into little grains of sand to be highlighted under a microscope."<br />I must say that I heartily disagree with you. How can you possibly make a meditation with the text unless you speak with Joseph and ask him what was in his heart? Sure, it is speculation, but I am convinced that an important part of the Christian life is trying to pierce into the mysteries...even if that means that we lack the certainty we normally want to have.<br />Moreover, the Fathers and Doctors of the Church ask this question. St. Thomas Aquinas asks this question. The great theologians and scholars ask this question. I would say that there is something wrong with a person who would dismiss the tradition so easily...<br /><br />Regarding the sermons given in most churches this weekend -- I am sure that many foolish things were said by impious priests, that however should not make us run away from the meditation; we only need to be firmly grounded in the Tradition and in the Scriptures, and in the life of prayer.<br /><br />I hope you can see why I wrote this article. <br />...btw, any "weird perspective" you find in this article has been defended by various Fathers of the Church (as I cited in the article itself); we need to have a bit more humility when we approach the commentaries written by the Fathers on these difficult passages of the Bible, we ought not call the commentaries "weird" or accuse them of "dissecting" the faith...Father Ryan Erlenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07557817305024750902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-49994695217183098792010-12-20T21:31:07.079-08:002010-12-20T21:31:07.079-08:00As often the case, we get caught up in the discuss...As often the case, we get caught up in the discussion of what the meaning of 'is' is. The Gospel relates actions within context of a life of Judaic practices that are hardly well understood today. <br /><br />The real points are: Mary acquiesed to the awesome task God bestowed on her: to be Christ's mother; Mary conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit; Joseph, despite his qualms (I think the intent here is to show him fully human but capable of accepting God's plan) accepts the charge God gives to him. The other stuff is just so much speculation and doesn't really add to our understanding and belief. The real question isn't whether Joseph though Mary was in sin, the real question is did he do God's will? Questions like the original fracture the faith into little grains of sand to be highlighted under a microscope. Sermons in church this weekend were preached over and again trying to explain whether Joseph though Mary a sinner. That really isn't the point!!! The point is the two people accepted God's roles for them! <br />I also take exception to the statement, even if some of the Fathers of the Church conclude such, that Mary and Joseph lived like brother and sister. There are marriages of all stripes, consummated in many ways both spiritual and physical where sex isn't possible due to bodily impairments. Do we then relegate all these people to living monastic lives? Another conclusion that really can't be defended. The beauty of God's work is that he uses the clay he created and our belief is in the fact that Mary and Joseph were people like us. I can scarcely believe that in the highly scrutinized society of Jewish law that Mary and Joseph could comport themselves as brother and sister and that defies what God intends in marriage. Sex isn't necessarily the consummation of marriage, but there are forms of intimacy of spirit and soul that bind husband and wife that brothers and sisters can't hope to share. How can we hope to emulate the concept of the example of the Holy Family if we postulate that Jesus was raised by an older brother ahd sister? Most of what is on this blog is pretty good but sometimes you all get carried away with some weird perspectives. By the way, my patron saint is Joseph, and he and I have some very good understandings of life's challenges.Timothy Josephnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-54135832038642354652010-12-20T18:41:13.310-08:002010-12-20T18:41:13.310-08:00Fr. Levi,
I would agree that "just" in t...Fr. Levi,<br />I would agree that "just" in this instance does not mean a strict observer of the law. However, I would disagree that it means that he was being merciful. Instead, what if Joseph already knew about the Incarnation and St. Matthew is telling us that he is ‘just’ in the sense that Joseph is 'just before God' and had a total respect for God's will. He did not want to meddle with the mystery that God was working in Mary, so he wanted to remove himself from it. After all, she had become the new Ark of the Covenant, as one commenter pointed out. That is what St. Thomas Aquinas seems to be saying, he wanted to part from her out of respect for her sanctity. For more, Ignance de la Potterrie, SJ has an excellent exegesis of the Annunciation to Joseph pericope.Jennihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18075038419704211364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-33935865972807684142010-12-20T16:20:51.299-08:002010-12-20T16:20:51.299-08:00@MichaelP, Thanks for the link to the Sacred Page ...@MichaelP, Thanks for the link to the Sacred Page blog. Also, I agree that "divorce" is a poor translation -- it should be "put away", as you say.<br />Your interpretation is very much in line with the second option (held by Basil, Bernard, and Bridget).<br /><br />@Unlikely, <br />I think you are correct. This is a matter of speculation and we cannot be too sure of our conclusions; we tread on holy ground. Nevertheless, I am certain that it is good to pray with the scene and, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, to attempt to pierce the mystery.Father Ryan Erlenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07557817305024750902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-768540052347526942010-12-20T16:17:52.518-08:002010-12-20T16:17:52.518-08:00Hmmm.... Gee, I'm not sure exactly what to thi...Hmmm.... Gee, I'm not sure exactly what to think now. I'm looking more closely at Reginaldus's original point regarding Mary's response to the angel ("...I do not know man") and that it seems a reasonable interpretation and implication that she had already vowed virginity. Also, Fr. Levi's point about the text, (v2.20) where we hear Joseph was told 'not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife'... making me wonder if in fact Mary had told Joseph... and if/how much did she divulge... <br /><br />Thank God! It is a mystery and we are still at peace in the mystery. But, this is good stuff!<br /><br />Thank you! Merry Christmas!!A pilgrimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01220789089587288741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-52832033996953133622010-12-20T16:12:11.570-08:002010-12-20T16:12:11.570-08:00@Fr. Levi,
Thank you for the commentary.
Certainly...@Fr. Levi,<br />Thank you for the commentary.<br />Certainly, you bring up many valid points. I would agree with you regarding the justice of St. Joseph.<br />I think you have adequately responded to the concerns of helgothjb.<br /><br />Regarding whether St. Joseph knew that Mary was the Mother of God, I am not sure... Obviously, the opinion you espouse is held by numerous Fathers and Doctors (and even Cornelius a' Lapide seems to lean in that direction a bit, while remaining somewhat sceptical). Moreover, St. Bridget received the same message in her Revelations...so that has some weight too!<br /><br />Obviously, diversity is legitimate in this matter.<br />I want to take a slightly more moderate view -- Joseph was very confused and didn't really think either one way or the other (though he was certain that Mary would not have sinned).<br />But I am open to your opinion.<br /><br />What is very hard for me to accept is the view (taken by Augustine) that Joseph actually suspected that Mary was an adulteress. If it wasn't for the fact that Augustine said this, I would dismiss it as impious! But, I suppose it must be a valid option, if so many of the great fathers held the opinion...<br /><br />It's great to have you at the NTM blog, please feel free to comment on future posts as well!Father Ryan Erlenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07557817305024750902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-53384929389255039872010-12-20T12:56:21.141-08:002010-12-20T12:56:21.141-08:00thanks for this post.
It's most intriguing to ...thanks for this post.<br />It's most intriguing to look ahead to Christmas and think of the long string of miracles, among which Joseph's vision and change of heart ought to be counted.<br /><br />I sense that there's some ambiguity in the story that we can't take out. We don't know what Joseph suspected of Mary, nor do any other the fathers, beyond conjecture. so live with the ambiguityJohn, an unlikely pastorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03688838648252031328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-59049565155754656472010-12-20T09:07:38.307-08:002010-12-20T09:07:38.307-08:00I accidentally put "virginal birth". At...I accidentally put "virginal birth". At this point in the account, that did not happen. I meant to say that Joseph somewhat knew of the miraculous conception.<br /><br />Sorry.<br />MichaelMichaelPnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-17257130708071032642010-12-20T09:07:05.432-08:002010-12-20T09:07:05.432-08:00apologies - that last comment should only have app...apologies - that last comment should only have appeared once - not sure what happend.Paddyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10112119118958158131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-13808097953220452092010-12-20T09:05:17.790-08:002010-12-20T09:05:17.790-08:00helgothjb,
That would depend on what you mean by...helgothjb, <br /><br />That would depend on what you mean by 'just.' Is a just man one who insists on the letter of the law on all occasions; or is a just man one who tempers justice with mercy? Your post pre-supposes that the only kind of Jewish man who could be considered just is the former. I do not think that this is true. There is much in the Old Testament that would suggest mercy as being a virtue.<br /><br />In any event, Matthew is a New Testament text and it is in the NT context whether we must consider whether St Joseph's actions are compatible with his being a just man if he suspected the BVM of sin. The word in Greek at Matthew 2.19 that is often translated as just is δικαιος, which also can be translated as righteous, holy (or even innocent). We are told is that as a man who was just/holy/righteous, his decision was to divorce her quietly and not expose her to public disgrace. If he did suspect her of sin, the text nonetheless regards his actions as δικαιος. If the interpretation is that St Joseph was being merciful and did not wish a young woman to be disgraced for her sin, it is not surprising that a Christian text would see this as an action that was δικαιος in character. <br /><br />However, v2.18 says that the BVM had been found to with child by the Holy Spirit and in was in those circumstances that St Joseph decided to divorce her. The text does not state he suspected her of sin; but clearly if he had made a public display of divorcing her, the world at large might well have suspected her of sin and therefore he wished to divorce her quietly. A man who wished to avoid bringing scandal on the head of one he believes to be innocent of wrongdoing is also clearly a man who is δικαιος.<br /><br />That would only leave the question of why, if he believed her to be innocent of sin, would he wish to divorce her? In v2.20 we hear he was told 'not to be afraid to take Mary' as his wife. Why should he be afraid? That some will know that the child is not his does not seem plausible, otherwise it would be pointless for him to attempt to spare her public disgrace. Equally, a man who is δικαιος would not be afraid of the whispers of gossips. The only thing left for him to afraid of then is the situation itself: that his bride is with child by the Holy Spirit. Any man who is truly δικαιος must feel himself unworthy to be husband to a woman who has been so honoured by God. <br /><br />Therefore, with no disrespect intended to the Church Fathers who take a different view, I believe the Scriptures best support the following interpretation: St Joseph knew and belived that the BVM was with child by the Holy Spirit; he never suspected her of sin, but rather felt himself unworthy of the honour of being husband to such a woman; however, obedient to the message of his vision, he changed his plans and humbly submitted himself to God's will, and thereby proved himself a 'just' man and a worthy spouse of Our Lady.Paddyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10112119118958158131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578980753063154388.post-81188978619821767442010-12-20T09:04:56.323-08:002010-12-20T09:04:56.323-08:00helgothjb,
That would depend on what you mean by...helgothjb, <br /><br />That would depend on what you mean by 'just.' Is a just man one who insists on the letter of the law on all occasions; or is a just man one who tempers justice with mercy? Your post pre-supposes that the only kind of Jewish man who could be considered just is the former. I do not think that this is true. There is much in the Old Testament that would suggest mercy as being a virtue.<br /><br />In any event, Matthew is a New Testament text and it is in the NT context whether we must consider whether St Joseph's actions are compatible with his being a just man if he suspected the BVM of sin. The word in Greek at Matthew 2.19 that is often translated as just is δικαιος, which also can be translated as righteous, holy (or even innocent). We are told is that as a man who was just/holy/righteous, his decision was to divorce her quietly and not expose her to public disgrace. If he did suspect her of sin, the text nonetheless regards his actions as δικαιος. If the interpretation is that St Joseph was being merciful and did not wish a young woman to be disgraced for her sin, it is not surprising that a Christian text would see this as an action that was δικαιος in character. <br /><br />However, v2.18 says that the BVM had been found to with child by the Holy Spirit and in was in those circumstances that St Joseph decided to divorce her. The text does not state he suspected her of sin; but clearly if he had made a public display of divorcing her, the world at large might well have suspected her of sin and therefore he wished to divorce her quietly. A man who wished to avoid bringing scandal on the head of one he believes to be innocent of wrongdoing is also clearly a man who is δικαιος.<br /><br />That would only leave the question of why, if he believed her to be innocent of sin, would he wish to divorce her? In v2.20 we hear he was told 'not to be afraid to take Mary' as his wife. Why should he be afraid? That some will know that the child is not his does not seem plausible, otherwise it would be pointless for him to attempt to spare her public disgrace. Equally, a man who is δικαιος would not be afraid of the whispers of gossips. The only thing left for him to afraid of then is the situation itself: that his bride is with child by the Holy Spirit. Any man who is truly δικαιος must feel himself unworthy to be husband to a woman who has been so honoured by God. <br /><br />Therefore, with no disrespect intended to the Church Fathers who take a different view, I believe the Scriptures best support the following interpretation: St Joseph knew and belived that the BVM was with child by the Holy Spirit; he never suspected her of sin, but rather felt himself unworthy of the honour of being husband to such a woman; however, obedient to the message of his vision, he changed his plans and humbly submitted himself to God's will, and thereby proved himself a 'just' man and a worthy spouse of Our Lady.Paddyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10112119118958158131noreply@blogger.com