St. Joseph holds a
unique place in the history of the Church. Unlike other revered saints like
St. Francis of Assisi
or St. Therese of Lisieux, he
is the Patron of the Universal Church. This title, bestowed over 150 years ago,
highlights his extraordinary significance, even though the Church itself dates
back to the first century.
So, why did it take so long to formally recognize St. Joseph's
pivotal role? Perhaps it stems from what I call "The St. Joseph Way."
The Man of Few Words
The Bible offers remarkably few direct quotes from St. Joseph.
We can confidently assume he spoke, but his words are largely absent from
Scripture. This silence, while seemingly insignificant, has likely contributed
to a lesser emphasis on his person throughout history. How do you write about
or preach about a man who, for the most part, remains silent?
This "quietude" is further exemplified by the fact
that no pope has ever chosen the name Joseph. While this could be out of
respect, it likely reflects a deeper understanding: St. Joseph's strength lies
in his hidden, unwavering devotion.
A Father's Love
St. Joseph's primary
role was to bring people to Jesus. He did this not through grand pronouncements
or public displays, but through quiet, consistent acts of love and protection.
As Pope Francis eloquently stated in his Apostolic Letter Patris Corde, "Fathers are not
born, but made." St. Joseph, through his selfless care for Jesus and Mary,
embodies this profound truth.
A Hidden Presence, A Powerful
Intercessor
While seemingly "hidden" in the Gospels, St. Joseph's
influence extends far beyond the pages of Scripture. He has been a prominent
figure in numerous approved apparitions, including at Knock and Fatima, where
he appeared holding the Christ Child.
Rediscovering St. Joseph
Now is the time to (re)discover this quiet giant, this man whose
life exemplifies true fatherhood and unwavering trust in God. I encourage you
to adopt the "St. Joseph Way" – a life marked by silent service,
unwavering devotion, and a deep desire to bring others closer to Christ.
In our fast-paced and often chaotic world, St. Joseph provides a
powerful example of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and selfless service. As
a foster father, he faced the challenges of raising a child, providing for his
family, and protecting them from harm. He navigated uncertainty with courage
and trust in God's plan. In a world that often prioritizes immediate
gratification and individual success, St. Joseph reminds us of the importance
of enduring love, responsible fatherhood, and protecting the vulnerable. As
an intercessor, he continues to guide and protect
us, reminding us to place our trust in God's providence and to seek guidance in
the quiet moments of our lives. His example encourages us to cultivate inner
peace, prioritize our families, and strive to live a life of service to others.
If you'd like to learn more
about St. Joseph, please feel free to reach out to me in the comments section. I have given talks on St. Joseph to
various audiences, including men's groups, mixed groups, and young adults.
May St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, intercede for us
all.
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