Then, my mind wandered and wondered how much MORE faith did it take for Joseph??? Here was his betrothed, swelling with child, and he had nothing to do but watch! By all rights and TRADITION, he should have sent her away!
It seems his faith should be celebrated as much or more than Mary, due to his steadfastness to his faith in God! He took the child and treated Him as a son...
I learn about joseph's obedience and faith in God.
He obeyed God by still taking Mary in as his wife. He controlled himself by not having sex with her before Jesus' birth - so as to fulfill God's word that Christ will be born of a virgin.
He also received a dream from the angel of God and he believed the message.
God uses people who believe and obey
Matthew 1:19 calls Joseph a "just" man and his mercy was part of his justice--- he did not want to expose Mary to rejection and shame. As well, he quickly believed Mary's explanation of the supernatural conception of her Son: we see that Joseph could discern the truth of divine things, and that is an other aspect of his justice.
He is a wonderful example for all men.
The Catholic Church certainly honors St. Joseph...we have huge cathedrals named in his honor...we celebrate his feast day...he's Jesus adopted FATHER.......never mind that nonsense call no one father...