St Joseph's Offerings at the Circumcision of Jesus

Eight days after the birth of Christ, St Joseph would have the duty to hand the Child over to be circumcised, as was prescribed by the Law. At this ceremony, St Joseph’s heart would offer three hidden sacrifices to the Heavenly Father on behalf of his Son.

The first sacrifice would be the Infant Jesus, though entirely sinless and perfect, assuming the degradation of a sinner.  He did this by submitting himself to the rite of circumcision which was instituted as a form of remedy to make peace between the sinner and the Lord.  St Joseph did not have to submit his Son to this, since Jesus himself had no original sin in him, but out of humility he abided by the Law.  Joseph offered up the humility of the Divine Child.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

– 2 Corinthians 5:21

The second offering of St Joseph was the willingness to allow Christ to suffer the pain of the circumcision.  This first cut into the tender flesh of the Jesus would be for him his first physical suffering at the hands of another, but with St Joseph there to comfort him.  Years later at his Passion, Jesus would not be granted consolation for his pain until he breathed his last.  He would be helpless and without comfort.

Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none.  – Psalm 69:20

The third sacrifice at this event would be the shedding of blood - fully displaying the human side of Our Lord. St Joseph would make the first offering of the Most Precious Blood in reparation for the many offences committed against God. 

This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  – St Matthew 26:28

After this sorrowful course, the heart of St Joseph would now be infused with joy as he had just fulfilled his first official act as father in Jewish society.  Since the beginning of time Joseph was chosen, just as Mary was, to play an important role in the history of mankind. Joseph was the first man to utter the name of Our Saviour, his lips having the honour of pronouncing the Most Holy Name of Jesus!  How the Heavens must have rejoiced at this moment as the Name of Salvation was spoken!

And when eight days were fulfilled for his circumcision, his name was called Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.  – St Luke 2:21