St. Joseph seems to have been a man of few words but plenty of action. The brief stories that mention him in the Gospels leave us with a vivid impression of a strong, supportive man who revealed his feelings and beliefs more in what he did than what he said. This this humble carpenter always seems to stand a short distance from center stage. As a foster father he fostered many great traits in his son, Jesus.
Here are four wisdom principles found in the story of St. Joseph, the patron saint of fathers, workers and of the universal church:
Every difficult family situation is best met with compassion. “Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly” (Mt 1:19).
Expect God to speak to you. And be willing to listen. “Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her’” (Mt 1:20).
Practice your religion; it will help you discover who you are and why you are here. “According to the law of Moses they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord” (Lk 1:22), and “Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover” (Lk 2:41).
We are all here to do some work. “I must be in my Father’s house” (Mt 2:49).
(To read Tom McGrath’s complete article, click here.)
--Tom McGrath
Today we ask You to bless our earthly fathers
for the many times they have reflected the love, strength, generosity, wisdom, and mercy
that You exemplify in Your relationship
with us, Your children.
(Excerpted from a prayer by Tony Rossi)
Happy Father’s Day to all fathers,
biological, adoptive, and spiritual,
with a shout out to our pastor and spiritual father,
Fr. Patrick Michaels!
Image source: Raj Bond as Joseph, The Chosen, https://m.imdb.com/title/tt9471404/mediaviewer/rm4195054848
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