Note: The First Reading for this memorial changes depending on its position in the liturgical year. When the memorial falls during Easter Time, Hebrews 10:19-25 is read. But when it falls outside Easter Time, then Proverbs 4:10-18 is read. This commentary reflects on the reading from Proverbs.

Proverbs 4:10-18; Matthew 1:20-23

The Gospel reading describes the vision that Joseph had after he had learned that Mary, to whom he was betrothed but not yet married, was already with child.  In the normal course of events and in those days he would have been strongly tempted to take drastic action in response to a serious breach of trust.  In fact, Mary could have been stoned to death for presumed adultery.  Joseph, however, whom we are told was a “righteous man” simply wanted to arrange a quiet separation.

It was then that he had a vision in which he was reassured that the Child Mary was carrying had been conceived by the power of God’s Spirit.  In other words, God was the Father of the Child.  About Mary, Joseph is told:

She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus [which means ‘Yahweh saves’], for he will save his people from their sins.

Ignatius of Loyola had a special devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, and it was often at her shrines that key events in the course of his conversion and in the founding of the Society of Jesus took place.  And Mary has always had a special place in the Society of Jesus, which regards Mary as its Mother and Queen and as accompanying it on its way to serve her Son.

And so, the First Reading from Proverbs speaks beautifully of life as a journey, and it could be seen to be addressed to every Jesuit.  It speaks of the Ways to follow and those to avoid:

Hear, my child, and accept my words,
    that the years of your life may be many.
I have taught you the way of wisdom;
    I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
When you walk, your step will not be hampered,
    and if you run, you will not stumble….

Do not enter the path of the wicked,
    and do not walk in the way of evildoers.
Avoid it; do not go on it;
    turn away from it and pass on….

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
    which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

Of course, it is clear that the Way we are to follow is Jesus and the life he calls on us to live.  But today we can also ask the Mother of Jesus to be with us on that Way, which she herself followed so closely.