Reflection - Solemnity of St. Joseph

St. Joseph is one of our most beloved saints. He is a model for fathers, patron of workers, and patron of a happy death. Although we don’t know exactly when St. Joseph died, it was before Jesus began his public ministry. Surely he died with Mary and Jesus at his bedside.

Joseph is called an “upright man” in St. Matthew’s Gospel. He was also a man of great faith, courage, and humility. Joseph was prepared to divorce Mary quietly and not expose her to scandal when he discovered she was pregnant. Yet when he was told by an angel in a dream that Mary was pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit, and to take her as his wife. He did as he the angel told him, even though he couldn’t have fully understood the dream. Joseph took Mary with him to Bethlehem where Jesus was born.

To protect Jesus, he took the child and his mother to Egypt, returning after Herod’s death. When Jesus stayed behind at the temple, Joesph and Mary searched frantically for him. When they found Jesus and took him back with them to Nazareth, St. Luke tells us that Jesus was obedient to them. Joesph provided for Jesus and Mary with great love and humility. Imagine all the time that Joseph spent in the company of Mary and Jesus.

Amazingly, such a prominent and beloved man doesn’t speak a word in the Gospels. But that’s characteristic of Joseph, never calling attention to himself.

No wonder Joseph is so widely honored today. In New Orleans, St. Joseph's Day is celebrated with altars in many churches. People put photos of their deceased loved ones on the altars. Breads, cookies, cakes, rolls, and other baked goods are displayed and sold, with the proceeds going to the poor.

I imagine that Joseph is looking down on all this attention with a smile. He’s probably embarrassed by it all. Joseph would think that he did nothing extraordinary in his life. He only did what God asked him to do: love his family with extravagant love, watch over them, provide for them, and protect them. He raised the child Jesus in his Jewish faith, handed down his faith, and taught him his trade.

St. Joseph, we pray that you look down on us all with great love today. Watch over the church and watch over all your children. Teach us all to be holy families. Lead us always to Jesus our Lord and Savior.