Mirror of Patience
Lover of Poverty
Model of Workmen
Pillar of Families
Hope of the Sick
Patron of the Dying
Guardian of Virgins
Zealous Defender of Christ
Terror of Demons
Protector of the Holy Church
As you may have guessed, these are just a few of the monikers given to the great St. Joseph. Which one do you identify with as a man, a husband, a father, a priest? Did you know that many of the great saints had strong devotion to Saint Joseph? Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Saint José Maria Escrivá, Saint Francis DeSales, Saint Bridget of Sweden, Saint Bernadine of Sienna, Saint Teresa of Avila, Pope Saint Paul VI, and Saint Peter Julian Eymard to name a few. So, where does Saint Joseph fit into your life? On the surface, Scripture “appears” to present very little information about St. Joseph to get a feel for who he was and the magnitude of his own sacrificial life in Christ.
The Church teaches Our Blessed Mother was ever virgin. We can infer from this that Joseph also lived a chaste life in his state of life in his marriage. Saint Joseph is a model for all men. Real men are true gentlemen, at the service of others. Real men love. Real men protect women and children against any, and all threats. Real men are willing to die for their wives and children. Saint Joseph is the first Christian gentleman; next to Jesus, he is the greatest example of masculine chastity. He was married to the most beautiful woman in the world, and he treated her with respect, dignity, and reverence.
But even more so, Saint Joseph was foster father to Jesus, the second person of the Trinitarian God. Have you ever stopped to consider what that means? It means Jesus Christ, obeyed Saint Joseph! So, if we want to become true children of the Heavenly Father, we should allow Saint Joseph to be our spiritual father. He will teach us how to love, pray, sacrifice, and work. He will teach you how to do the will of God. The pathway to heaven is paved with virtues, and Saint Joseph will give you a father’s example of holiness. The loving relationship between a spiritual father and child endures forever. In other words, Jesus continues to be the Son of Joseph in heaven. So, what is valid for Jesus is valid for you. Saint Joseph is forever your spiritual father. As he took care of Jesus while on earth, he will take care of you on your earthly pilgrimage. Saint Joseph is your loving provider, educator, and protector.
Saint Joseph will zealously defend and protect you. The paternal mission of Saint Joseph is not finished. A father’s work is not finished until his children are safely home. Your spiritual father knows what is harmful to your soul, and he wants to watch over you and help you arrive safely home. If you are a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, you are going to be criticized, hated, ridiculed, and mocked by the world – oftentimes by your own family and friends. Saint Joseph will help you be a zealous witness to the truth of Jesus Christ.
Saint Joseph is much more than we read in the pages of Scripture. Get to know him better.
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend purchasing this book and take the journey through it to consecrate yourself to St. Joseph. Better yet, invite your wife to join you. You will both benefit from it. I’ve attempted to highlight key themes contained within the book. Don’t concern yourself with the 33 days. Even if you get sidetracked occasionally… like I did, and it takes 40 or even 50 days, it is worth it.
Let us pray: Hail, O Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Our Lady placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.
Saint Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Is the Holy Spirit calling you to deliver a lecture? Sign up today!