ST. JOSEPH: A MODEL OF HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE AND DIVINE GUIDANCE

“There are many saints to whom God has given the power to assist us in the necessities of life, but the power given to St. Joseph is unlimited: It extends to all our needs, and all those who invoke him with confidence are sure to be heard” (St. Thomas Aquinas).

On 19th March the Church celebrates the solemnity of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary, the guardian and patron of the Universal Church. The entire month of March is dedicated to St. Joseph and the faithful venerate him in a special way during this month seeking his intercession and special favours. Honouring St. Joseph goes back in art form to the Middle Ages and can be traced back even to the early centuries after Christ in mosaics. However, since the mid-1800’s, devotion to St. Joseph has continued to increase, culminating recently in a Year of St. Joseph in the liturgical year 2020-2021.

What made Saint Joseph remarkable? Unlike our Blessed Mother he was not immaculately conceived; unlike Jesus, he was not divine. Yet, he held the crucial role of being the head, guardian and provider of the Holy Family. Joseph became the legal father of the Saviour of the World and the husband of the Mother of God. However, his greatness stems not solely from these extraordinary privileges but primarily from his life choices.

Described in the Gospel as a “righteous man” who obeyed the commands of the angel of the Lord, Joseph’s greatness lies in his moral righteousness and unwavering obedience to God’s will. Joseph’s obedience is evident in his four dreams narrated in Scripture. In the first he is instructed to take Mary as his wife and name the child Jesus. In the second he is told to flee to Egypt to protect the child from Herod’s threat. The third instructs him to return to Israel, and the fourth directs him to Galilee.

These dreams were not ordinary; they were divine messages that required a willing recipient. Despite the significant challenges his obedience entailed, Joseph listened attentively and responded with complete submission and determination.

Joseph’s commitment to his vocation earned him the title “Guardian of the Redeemer” by Pope Saint John Paul II. Throughout his life, he faithfully provided for, protected, and cared for Jesus and Mary, embodying the essence of a devoted father.

In the vast narrative of the Bible, Saint Joseph often remains in the shadows, yet his role is of immense significance. He is Jesus’s earthly father, but somehow, none of his words are recorded in the Scriptures. He is mentioned very few times in the Bible. Even when mentioned, it’s mostly in passing. However, without Saint Joseph’s willingness to accept and nurture Jesus as his son, the story of salvation would have taken a drastically different turn. He is revealed as an obedient and trusting servant of God, a righteous man. Once he assumed the role of foster father to Jesus and faithful husband to Mary he never let them down. 

St. John Paul II said, “St. Joseph is a man of great spirit. He is great in faith, not because he speaks his own words, but above all because he listens to the words of the Living God. He listens in silence. And his heart ceaselessly perseveres in the readiness to accept the Truth contained in the word of the Living God.” St. Joseph listened to God’s words in the silence of his heart, and fulfilled them joyfully. Though the tasks were challenging – sometimes seemingly impossible – they became possible for him because of his faithfulness. As Pope Benedict XVI exhorted, “Let us allow ourselves to be infected by the silence of St. Joseph. We need it very much in a world that is often too noisy.”

 

St. Joseph, Protector of the Holy Church

The turmoil in Italy, marked by the loss of the Papal States and their absorption into the Italian Kingdom, followed by the First Vatican Council’s declaration of papal infallibility, triggered widespread opposition among the Old Catholics. The Franco-Prussian War led to Kulturkampt, the German chancellor Otto von Bismarck’s attempt to subject the Roman Catholic Church to state control. Meanwhile, Ireland struggled with the devastation of the potato famine, resulting in significant loss of life and mass emigration. Anti-clerical movements gained traction in recently liberated Latin American countries. Catholics in Armenia, Austria and partitioned Poland faced religious obstacles.

Amidst all this turmoil Pope Pius IX, revered by some in history as a saint and others as an autocrat manipulated by reactionaries, looked for help from heaven. St. Joseph was his choice as an intercessor before the one Mediator between God and man, Christ Jesus. It is easy to understand the rationale for this. In the infancy and boyhood years of the God-man, Joseph of Nazareth was His protector, guide, teacher and mentor. Since the Church is the mystical body of Christ, it was natural to call upon St. Joseph to watch over and protect the Church. In 1870 Pope Pius IX officially designated St. Joseph as the Patron of the Catholic Church. Later, in 1909, Pope St. Pius X incorporated “Protector of the Holy Church” as the final invocation in the Litany of St. Joseph, affirming Joseph’s role as the guardian of the Church.

With the Apostolic Letter Patris Corde (With a Father’s Heart), Pope Francis inaugurated the 150th anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church. In recognition of this milestone, the Holy Father announced a special “Year of Saint Joseph,” to be observed from 8 December 2020 to 8 December 2021.

As we recall the turbulent times of the past we are reminded of the enduring need for divine assistance, especially in our current circumstances. Just as Pope Pius IX sought the intercession of St. Joseph during times of upheaval, we too are called upon to raise our prayers to heaven for the Church in these trying times. Let us, therefore, unite our hearts in prayer, invoking the powerful intercession of St. Joseph that the Church may weather the storms of adversity and emerge stronger in faith and unity.

 

A Pillar of Hope and Courage in the Face of Life’s Challenges

St. Joseph demonstrated profound docility and trust in the face of uncertainty. His unconditional acceptance of Mary, despite not having fully understood the situation, exemplifies a respectful and sensitive approach to relationships, particularly in a world plagued by violence against women. Joseph’s decision to protect Mary’s dignity and reputation, guided by his compassionate heart, illustrates his willingness to prioritize love over rigid adherence to the law.

We often encounter events that defy our comprehension, leading to feelings of disappointment and rebellion. Yet St. Joseph’s response teaches us the transformative power of acceptance and reconciliation with our own history. By embracing life’s mysteries and complexities, Joseph demonstrates proactive courage rather than passive resignation. 

Joseph’s encounter with the divine message, urging him not to fear, resonates with a broader invitation for us to embrace reality with hope and courage, even amidst disappointment and setbacks. Rather than seeking easy solutions, St. Joseph’s example encourages us to confront reality with open eyes and accept personal responsibility. Like him we are called to embrace reality with hope and trust, knowing that even amidst life’s challenges, God can bring forth beauty and renewal from the most unexpected places.

 

A Model of Faith in the Face of Adversity

St. Joseph’s story teaches us that true healing begins with accepting our past and embracing life’s challenges with creative courage. When difficulties arise, we can either give up or find ways to engage with them, often discovering inner strength we never knew we had.

As we ponder the infancy narratives, we may question why God didn’t intervene more directly. Yet, St. Joseph’s story reminds us that God often works through ordinary people and events. St. Joseph, handpicked by God to guide the beginning of redemption, exemplifies this truth. Despite facing uncertainty and danger, he protected Mary and Jesus, demonstrating unwavering courage and trust in divine providence. Living in a world where the powerful often seem to hold sway, Joseph’s story reassures us that God always finds a way to fulfil His plans. In our own lives, when confronted with challenges, we must lean on God’s guidance and actively seek solutions.

At the heart of St. Joseph’s role is his protection of Jesus and Mary, reflecting his deep love and responsibility. As members of the Church, we too are entrusted with caring for the vulnerable, following his example of compassion and devotion. In caring for the least among us, we encounter Jesus himself. Therefore, like St. Joseph, we are called to protect and love those in need, showing special concern for the marginalized and suffering.

 

Conclusion

Ite ad Ioseph is the ancient phrase found on numerous statues and altars dedicated to St. Joseph, meaning “Go to Joseph”. He epitomizes the “wise and faithful servant whom the Lord put in charge of his household” (Luke 12,42). Let us turn to St. Joseph and implore his intercession for the grace we require to commit ourselves to the divine plan, just as he did. As we adore and receive Jesus in the Eucharist with sentiments akin to those of St. Joseph at the manger in Bethlehem and at the carpenter’s table in Nazareth, may we, through the grace of a blessed death, join him, Mary and all the members of God’s holy family in heaven to adore that same Jesus for eternity.

“Devotion to St. Joseph is one of the choicest graces that God can give to a soul, for it is tantamount to revealing the entire treasury of Our Lord’s graces. When God wishes to raise a soul to greater heights, he unites it to St. Joseph by giving it a strong love for the good saint” (St. Peter Julian Eymard).

Wishing you all a happy feast and the blessings of St. Joseph, dear confreres, 

Yours affectionately,

Fr. Jose Thomas Koyickal sdb,

Provincial