Never were husband and wife so eminently
suited to each other as Joseph and Mary. Never
was there a union that so exactly symbolized the
union between Christ and the Church. Happy,
indeed, are those who meet with a congenial
spouse! Happier still are those who are content
to live in a state of virginity, and in the religious
life to choose Christ Himself for their Divine
Spouse. They it is who most nearly approach to
the life of Joseph with Mary.
St. Joseph and Our Lady lived in perpetual
chastity, and their union was a closer one than
that of any other husband and wife in the whole
world. Their ideas, opinions, hopes, wishes, likes
and dislikes, were all the same; Joseph was Mary's
strong support, Mary loved to depend on Joseph.
None was ever so obedient, gentle, loving, and
sympathizing a wife as Mary. None was ever such
a thoughtful, kind, prudent, faithful husband as
Joseph.
Of what age was St. Joseph at the time of his
marriage? Not an old man, for this would have
been unseemly--nor very young, for he would not
have been a suitable protector for Mary--but about
the prime of life. It is true that from the fifth
century onwards, he is represented as a bearded
old man, but this is partly to represent the dignity
of his character, partly as a portrait of his later
years. Joseph was always far advanced in wisdom,
counsel, prudence, and the love of God. Would
that I were more like him!