An Elderly Joseph

The New Testament Apocrypha speak of Joseph as an elderly man, a widower with adult children, who was quite reluctant to be included among those from among whom a protector for Mary would be chosen.  Although the Apocrypha were not included in the canon of Scripture their importance is great and much in evidence in the liturgical texts of some of the great Feasts.

However the Gospels too give evidence for an elderly Joseph.  For example he is no longer mentioned after Jesus' trip to the temple as an adolescent.  Note also that as Jesus was dying upon the Cross He asked John to look after His mother.  That would have been unnecessary - and even insulting to Joseph had he been alive.  But as an elderly man he would have reposed well before Jesus' crucifixion at the age of 32-33.  Mary, however, would only have been in her middle age.

The New Testament clearly speaks of Jesus' brothers and sisters.  Had they been Mary's as well as Joseph's they would have been able to take care of their mother and again, He would not have had to entrust her to John's care.  (Life for a woman without a male protector would have been enormously difficult in those days).  These brothers and sisters must have been Joseph's children from his previous marriage.  As such they would still have been considered Jesus' brothers and sisters. 

It is not strange, as things usually go with us imperfect (but perfectible!) humans, that they would have looked with disapproval upon Jesus and His Mother - who was likely younger than they were!  This would especially be the case since Jesus' origins would be the subject of suspicion all His life (and indeed for as long as His story would be told) - for only by faith would people accept that His conception was of the Holy Spirit and not as a result of Mary's infidelity to her betrothed, Joseph.

Joseph himself had problems with doubts, as is portrayed in his posture in the Icon of the Nativity (and also in the liturgical texts for that glorious Feast).  It is interesting that Mary is looking towards him as he is sitting deep in thought, addressed by a man dressed in an animal skin (some say Adam, some say the Tempter).  She is praying for him to find victory over his doubt of what she alone KNOWS by personal experience to be true - that this wonderful Son comes from the Most High Himself without the mediation of a human father.  Joseph did indeed win that victory and his faith, love and dedication remained consistent all his life - and for all eternity!

Apparently Joseph's children also came to believe as he did - but only after Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection.  Of them all James seemed to be most like his wonderful, kind, merciful, loving father, Joseph, for (again based on the Apocrypha) he declared that Jesus was his Brother when his siblings were disputing with Joseph about whether or not Jesus should be included among his inheritors.

James told his father not to be troubled about this for whatever he received he would share with Jesus, His brother.  Hence the title "Brother of Jesus" - at first a mocking epithet which later became the honorific "Brother of the Lord", when James' siblings also came to believe that the young fellow they had thought they knew - and resented - was indeed the Messiah, the Lord from Heaven!  James is still called this by the Church and we celebrate him together with Joseph His father on the Sunday after the Nativity (also Jesus', Mary's and their ancestor, David the King)

The idea that the Christian East's portrayal of an aged Joseph (who would not have had much interest in conjugal relations) is the product of their desire to underscore Mary's perpetual virginity is interesting.  However, it does not really work that well.

For one thing, it is simply not the case that older people are not concerned with sexuality.  Joseph's nobility is shown by the fact that he transcended his male jealousy and decided  to deal mercifully with his betrothed (whom he suspected of infidelity since she was pregnant).  He could have had her stoned!  After he had won that struggle, God rewarded him with the angelic visitation in the dream which gave him a basis for his faith that Mary's conception of Jesus was of the Holy Spirit - something all Orthodox (and orthodox "heterodox") Christians hold on to - in faith!

The story of the Holy Family is our own family history, precious and dear.  The Christian East's picture of Joseph as a courageous, faithful, God-centred elderly widower rings true.  It also tells us that "old people" are quite capable of being chosen for and embarking upon extraordinary adventures in which they obtain remarkable success by God's mercy and provision.

This picture may not be very attractive - particularly in a youth-fixated culture such as ours in which "old" has become a pejoritive expression.  One can understand the appeal of the youthful Joseph.   But truth may have an attraction all its own.  And ageism is just another "ism".

Very Rev. Ihor Kutash kutash@unicorne.org 

Please also see a Question and Answer on St. Joseph