A MODEL OF MUTUAL FRUITFULNESS
Matthew’s account is the only account we have of Joseph’s role in Salvation history in the scriptures. We do not know of Joseph because of what he said or simply he did; but more so, for what he allowed others to say and do. He is the silent protagonist of salvation history. Unlike others, such as Zechariah, who were rendered mute so they could pay attention to God’s will; Joseph’s silence was what allowed for God’s will to occur. For all of our talk and focus about the silence Mary and feminine; it seems Joseph is the most silent of all; and for this reason, demands our attention as part of a broader conversation about the roles of men and women these days.