As today is Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Mass readings for this solemnity are as follows:
First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16
In this passage, the Lord speaks to the prophet Nathan, instructing him to convey a message to King David. God promises that after David’s time, He will raise up an heir from David’s lineage, establish his kingdom, and affirm that this descendant will build a house for God’s name. God declares a father-son relationship with this heir and assures that David’s house and kingdom will endure forever.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
Response: “The son of David will live forever.”
This psalm reflects on God’s enduring covenant and steadfast love. It emphasizes God’s promise to establish David’s lineage forever and acknowledges the special relationship between God and the king, referring to him as God’s son.
Second Reading: Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22
In this excerpt, Paul discusses the faith of Abraham, highlighting that the promise made to him and his descendants was through the righteousness of faith, not the law. This faith-based promise ensures it is a gift accessible to all descendants, making Abraham the father of many nations. Abraham’s unwavering belief in God’s promises was credited to him as righteousness.
Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a
This passage recounts the genealogy of Jesus, focusing on Joseph, the husband of Mary. It describes how Joseph, a righteous man, learns of Mary’s pregnancy through the Holy Spirit. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, instructing him not to fear taking Mary as his wife, as her child is conceived by the Holy Spirit. The angel reveals that the child is to be named Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. Joseph obediently follows the angel’s command.
