How the carpenter’s life was quickly and radically changed when an angel of the Lord announced to him that the Child in Mary’s womb had been conceived by the Holy Spirit and would be named “Jesus” because He would save His people from their sins (cf. Mt 1:20-21).
Without complaint or hesitation, the son of Jacob bowed profoundly to the Almighty’s mysterious will and took our Blessed Lady — and her incredibly unique baby — to himself. Such an affirmative response to God meant that all generations to come would venerate Saint Joseph for his prompt and lasting obedience to the Lord.
In one of his sermons, Saint Bernadine of Siena (1380-1444) wrote: “What then is Joseph’s position in the whole Church of Christ? Is he not a man chosen and set apart? Through him and, yes, under him, Christ was fittingly and honorably introduced into the world. Holy Church in her entirety is indebted to the Virgin Mother because through her she — the Church — was judged worthy to receive Christ. But after Mary we undoubtedly owe special gratitude and reverence to Saint Joseph.”
Yes, we must thank and cherish Joseph — and we gladly do so. This humble and just man threw open his heart to Jesus and Mary, teaching us to do likewise.
Few biographical facts are grasped with certainty about Joseph. But no matter. What is most essential is well known. Joseph obeyed his Creator cheerfully and without delay. Although twenty centuries has passed, the genuine esteem for Joseph has not.
His example of obedience to God is needed now more than ever. In our fickle era that prizes hyper-independence and a “rugged individualism” that is too often born from an overweening pride, we urgently require a counterbalance that admirably extols the necessity of obedience to the Lord. Joseph is that contrast. He demonstrates that God’s plan, not ours, is paramount. Joseph must have known that he would never be truly content in this life or in the next if he brashly shunned the Lord’s wise designs for him.
Saint Joseph “had his act together.” He was convinced that God would protect him, his young wife and the babe. Joseph would not be disappointed. The Lord was with him every step. But Joseph also realized that God’s continual presence did not absolve him from praying and working hard. He recognized the myriad demands that confronted him and he strove to fulfill them. It was not easy caring for Jesus and Mary. Joseph spent himself in service of the madonna and child.
Joseph was a marvel then, and he remains one now. He deserves our love, while we can profit royally from his intercession.
Today, as we recall Saint Joseph, we pray with Saint Bernadine of Siena:
Remember us, Saint Joseph, and plead for us to your foster-child. Ask your most holy bride, the Virgin Mary, to look kindly upon us, since she is the mother of Him Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns eternally. Amen.
© Copyright 2004 Catholic Exchange
Monsignor Charles M. Mangan was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Sioux Falls in 1989. He is presently assigned to the Vatican Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
