Mary and Joseph, model of perfect spouses

Mary was perfect and very beautiful; Joseph must have loved her passionately. They had probably made a vow of virginity and celibacy at a young age, hoping by doing so to hasten the coming of the Messiah. But are the married and consecrated states compatible with each other?

Their unity of heart and soul went beyond any human experience, because it was rooted in God's choice and was completely oriented towards the Child... Isn’t it troubling and even contradictory that Mary is given as an example to both consecrated persons and married people?

The whole spiritual tradition contemplates Mary as the model and the Queen of virgins and consecrated people. But a more recent tradition sees in Mary and Joseph the model of spouses. In fact the feast of the Holy Family sets them as an example for the faithful. This apparent paradox shows that we can’t reduce the incomparable mystery of Mary (and naturally that of Joseph) to one aspect of our individual experiences. And of course none of us is expected to be exactly like Mary!

On the other hand, we all have a lot to learn from her. As Queen and Mother, her gift is to inspire and train disciples, whatever their vocation. 

Marie de Nazareth