Each moment we have as fathers, whether before or after the birth of our children, and whether it is beautiful or challenging, is an opportunity to learn from St. Joseph. Joseph knew what it was like to wait for the birth of his child, and he knew what it was like to embark upon an unknown pilgrimage into the future. Joseph is the king of dealing with unpredictable and unforeseen situations -- from the pregnancy of Mary before they lived together (Matthew 1:18), to having no place for her to give birth in Bethlehem (Luke 2:7) all the way through the flight from Egypt in fear for their lives (Matthew 2:13-14) and providing for his family with his small carpentry shop.
Life has uncertainties and challenges, but following St. Joseph’s lead will allow you to perceive God’s fingerprints in every present moment – no matter what might come. Joseph’s silence in the Bible, humility in following God, and trust in God’s plan made him the best suited stepfather to Christ.
--Thomas Griffin
God bless all fathers,
biological, adoptive, and spiritual, today!
Happy Fathers Day!
Image source: El Greco, St. Joseph and the Child Jesus (ca. 1600), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cathedral_of_Toledo,_sacristy,_with_paintings_by_El_Greco_%2815%29_%2829161098404%29.jpg
Quotation source
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