Feast of St Joseph

It is not surprising that Joseph is the patron saint of, families, fathers, expectant mothers, travelers, immigrants, and working people. 

Because for each case there is a real sense of purpose; a fatherly commitment to selfless care, diligent guiding and relentless protecting through uncertain times.

 

 We often turn to Joseph, not only because he was husband to Mary and father to Jesus, but because he himself was the most trustworthy spouse and most loving father.

And we know that we can lean on him when we need to.

 

 Joseph, in a beautiful straight forward way was right and just, true and good. Scripture says Joseph was a righteous man, and he lived out this righteousness as husband and father in difficult but ordinary circumstances.

 

He was a working man, who surely taught his son his craft. We know Joseph wasn't rich because when he took Jesus to the Temple he offered the sacrifice of two turtledoves which was allowed only for those who could not afford a lamb. But, he was not ashamed or humbled by this reality. Joseph was a honest hard worker and above all else he loved his family more the wealth or prestige.

 

It is only in passing that we hear of Joseph’s royal linage and It is a measure of the man that he wasn’t puffed up and prideful because of it.  

 

 We know Joseph was more than a reasonable man, he was a compassionate man. When he discovered Mary was pregnant, after they had been betrothed, he knew the child was not his. He knew that women accused of adultery could be stoned to death. A good and reasonable man might quietly legally end the betrothal. But, Joseph knew that would only bring unlivable shame to Mary and her family.

 

In a trouble sleep, an angel came to Joseph and told him, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” The next day Joseph did not do the expected and reasonable thing to do. Prompted by the Spirit and his love of Mary, he did the unexpected, the righteous thing. He took Mary into his home.

 

Of course, Joseph was present at the birth of Jesus, the incarnation of God with us. And I am sure he adored his new born son, before the shepherds and wise men came to do the same.

 

When his family was in danger, he immediately left everything he owned, all his extended family, friends, and business and immigrated to a new country with his young wife and the baby. As a refugee, Joseph did what he had to do for his family to survive has they waited in in forging land until it was safe to go back.

  

How proud Joseph was at Jesus’ presentation in the Temple. Yet, there would be an uneasiness and curiosity when, in the Temple, the holy man Simeon and the holy woman Anna gave thanks and blessing to God for the child Jesus.

 

We know Joseph loved Jesus. And as worried parents Joseph and Mary searched for three days for the child Jesus when he stayed behind in Jerusalem, in the Temple.

I always imagine it was as a loving but concerned parent that he scolded the Jesus soundly.

 

Joseph leaves our sight as Jesus starts his public ministry. Joseph must have passed away for surly Joseph would have continued to encourage and counsel his son.

It is impossible to imagine that Jesus did not carry the memory of Joseph deep in his heart. How many prayers did he say for him? How often did Jesus think, what would my dad do?

 

We profess Jesus is the Son of God, for his is, but as any adopted child will tell you, it is the one who cares for you and cherishes you, who puts food on the table and clothes on your back that you love and call father or mother. Being the Son of God did mean Jesus loved Joseph any less as a father, perhaps in a different way, even more.