Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
George Washington's Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation are a collection of 110 maxims he copied into his school notebook around 1744-45, when he was roughly 14 years old. The 110 Rules focus on respect, modesty, and etiquette. Washington obtained these rules by copying them into his school notebook as a penmanship exercise. His schoolmaster likely assigned the task of copying all 110 rules to help him master neat cursive writing. Scholars believe that by repeatedly writing these rules, Washington internalized their messages of self-control and respect for others, which later defined his reputation as a "gentleman" and a leader. Although Washington is the most famous person associated with the 110 Rules, he did not write the rules himself; they were a standard part of a young gentleman's education in the 18th century. In fact, the 110 Rules are based on a set of rules composed by French Jesuits in 1595 to teach students proper social behavior. By Washington's time, these rules were widely circulated in etiquette manuals and often used by schoolmasters to teach students both handwriting and moral character.
St. Joseph is not a great statesman and general like George Washington, but we can still learn some rules of civility and virtue from his life. The first lesson from St. Joseph is the lesson of justice. Matthew says that since Joseph was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose Mary to shame, he decided to divorce her quietly. But then a question arises: how was he just, if he did not wish to hand over Mary to punishment despite the fact that he suspected her of adultery? One aspect of justice includes all virtues: piety, mercy, and such. So, when it is said that Joseph was just, this should be understood as justice in the sense of mercy and piety. Hence since he was just, i.e., both merciful and pious, he did not wish to hand Mary over. Mercy or piety means that Joseph did not want to make known or proclaim her deed, as opposed to many men who want to announce immediately that which they have in their heart. This quality also indicates that Joseph is full of wisdom. Wisdom indeed in the fact that he deliberated before he acted; this means, do nothing without the judgment and deliberation of reason. The second lesson is about fear. The Angel Gabriel tells Joseph, Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. Joseph did not know what would happen, but he was not afraid to take Mary as his wife. Moreover, there could be doubt as to whether Joseph knew Mary very well, or whether Joseph had known her before he took her into his house. There are many unknowns in our future, but this unknown "thing" is the true "hope" that drives us, and at the same time, the fact that it is unknown is the cause of all forms of despair and of all efforts, whether positive or destructive. As we journey toward the end of the Lenten season, let us learn from St. Joseph not to be afraid to face the "unknown."