Basically, Gerard, apart from obvious that there is nothing else, it is because some people asked questions, some used their imaginations and wrote them down at an early date. e.g. What did Jesus do as a child – “he made small birds out of clay, blessed them and they flew away”. I think it is in a hymn somewhere, but origin in is these pious fictions. I wonder what it was like for Mary growing up; what were Jesus’s grandparent lives like? I believe their exists a 3 volume “Life of St. Joseph” about whom we know so little.
I am writing from memory without time to hunt for texts. Whilst traditionally St. Joseph holds lilies, explained as symbol of purity, I have a hunch the origin may well also be found in Protevangelium of St.James. There are two versions of Joseph learning he is the one chosen to marry Mary. Both versions have a number of suitable candidates being summoned to the temple (I seem to remember it is by High Priest). They are told to plant their staves in the ground. In one version Joseph’s staff flowers and that is the sign. The lily branch does not seem very far removed from a flowering staff. In the other Joseph realise he is it and refused to plant his staff. In this version the sign changes – the man who does not plant his staff is the chosen one. Heads God wins, tails Joseph loses.
It my feast day today – I did briefly share it with a Joachim – a Benedictine. It was his religious name but he has now reverted to his baptismal name.
There are some charming stories in the work and it is not that long so worth a read.
Correction: Not quite a biblical couple, only Protoevangelium…Still a breakthrough in a patriarchal society. Some day our church might also come to see women priests not as a headache but a blessing!…
Why are we relying on legends and not Truth?
Gerard, a catholic
Basically, Gerard, apart from obvious that there is nothing else, it is because some people asked questions, some used their imaginations and wrote them down at an early date. e.g. What did Jesus do as a child – “he made small birds out of clay, blessed them and they flew away”. I think it is in a hymn somewhere, but origin in is these pious fictions. I wonder what it was like for Mary growing up; what were Jesus’s grandparent lives like? I believe their exists a 3 volume “Life of St. Joseph” about whom we know so little.
I am writing from memory without time to hunt for texts. Whilst traditionally St. Joseph holds lilies, explained as symbol of purity, I have a hunch the origin may well also be found in Protevangelium of St.James. There are two versions of Joseph learning he is the one chosen to marry Mary. Both versions have a number of suitable candidates being summoned to the temple (I seem to remember it is by High Priest). They are told to plant their staves in the ground. In one version Joseph’s staff flowers and that is the sign. The lily branch does not seem very far removed from a flowering staff. In the other Joseph realise he is it and refused to plant his staff. In this version the sign changes – the man who does not plant his staff is the chosen one. Heads God wins, tails Joseph loses.
It my feast day today – I did briefly share it with a Joachim – a Benedictine. It was his religious name but he has now reverted to his baptismal name.
There are some charming stories in the work and it is not that long so worth a read.
Good to see a biblical couple rejoicing in being blessed with the birth of …a daughter!
Correction: Not quite a biblical couple, only Protoevangelium…Still a breakthrough in a patriarchal society. Some day our church might also come to see women priests not as a headache but a blessing!…