On this feast of St. Joseph, we reflect on the heavy burden and responsibility that St. Joseph bore, the picture is of the sleeping St. Joseph allows you to place your burdens and your cares on his pillow and he will carry them to the Lord. As we celebrate St. Joseph reflect on words from Pope Francis and Fr. Matthew Kauth.
Pope Francis wrote, “In his relationship to Jesus, Joseph was the earthly shadow of the heavenly Father. He watched over him and protected him, never leaving him to go his own way. We can think of Moses’ words to Israel: ‘In the wilderness … you saw how the Lord your God carried you, just as one carries a child, all the way that you traveled’ [Deuteronomy 1:31]. In a similar way, Joseph acted as a father for his whole life.” [Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde ]
Fr. Matthew Kauth writes, “You were not faint of heart, Joseph. You were a man after God’s own heart. And so, as He loves [Mary], so in proportion did you. You were betrothed. You touched that hand when you made your espousals…. It would fit into your rough and worn palm and find security and strength there. Did you stare at your hand that night by the candlelight? Did you marvel that something so poor held something so rich?” [The Imitation of Saint Joseph, p.170]
St. Joseph is the Patron: of the Universal Church, unborn children, fathers, workers, travelers, immigrants, and a happy death.
St. Joseph pray for us.
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