Feast of St. Joseph
Reflection
Joseph’s life was steeped in his daily dealings with the world around him. His life was far from the idyllic existence we may sometimes imagine. He was not set apart. Joseph was a woodworker, a neighborhood craftsman who made furniture, carved other objects, and spent time apprenticing his son in the same trade. Like many believers, he walked with God as a family man, laboring in his shop and living at home. He combined prayer, hard work and the responsibilities of being a husband and father. Scripture describes him as a just man, one who observed the law faithfully, who was upright and righteous in his relationships. Joseph was a man of faith attuned to the inspirations of God’s spirit in life. He was an ordinary man who followed the path of his life wherever God led him. What we can say about Joseph is that he served God faithfully and lived true to his beliefs.
Prayer
St. Joseph, help us to grow in your spirit. Teach us to live the ordinary with extraordinary justice, love and faithfulness.
Action
Who are the ordinary persons in my life who reveal God for me? Why? How can I make the ordinary extraordinary in my own life?
Suggested Reading
This is what God asks of you
Only this…
To act justly
To love tenderly
To walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife. And he knew her not until she brought forth her firstborn son, and he called his name Jesus.
Matthew 1:24 -25
How does Joseph exercise his role as protector? Discreetly, humbly and silently, but with an unfailing presence and utter fidelity, even when he finds it hard to understand,
Pope Francis
Saint Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect and enlighten families.
Pope John Paul II
Perhaps the mark of greatness is not the accomplishment of great moments, great monuments, great works, but an honest facing struggle when it comes and being content with the daily, what we call the ordinary…Joseph was that kind of man– a saint.
Sister M. Madeleva, CSJ
Joseph is the patron of the dying because, assuming he died before Jesus’ public life, he died with Jesus and Mary close to him, the way we all would like to leave this earth.
Jose Rubio Perralto
The blessed Joseph faithfully exercised his skills as a carpenter. He is a shining example to all workmen.
Benedictus Responsory at Lauds