Solemnity of St. Joseph

Where could we better witness to our fidelity than in the midst of things going wrong? ~St. Francis de Sales

When I think of someone who remains faithful "in the midst of things going wrong," St. Joseph, whose feast we celebrate today, comes to mind. Here was a quiet, unassuming man whose whole world was suddenly turned upside down! Mary, the woman to whom he was betrothed, had mysteriously become pregnant. How could this be? What should he do? An angel appeared to Joseph in his dreams and told him not to be afraid to take Mary home with him, which he did. Then, too close to her due date for comfort, Mary and Joseph were commanded by law to make a long journey by donkey to be counted for the census. Arriving at their destination, the only shelter Joseph could find was a stall of smelly, dirty animals, where Mary gave birth. After an odd parade of shepherds, wise men and other assorted visitors came to worship their child, yet another angel appeared to Joseph, telling him to quickly flee into Egypt with Mary and Jesus, their newborn son, because some megalomaniac king had ordered his soldiers to kill all babies under the age of two. Later, when they went to the temple to offer their son to God according to the law, an old prophet stunningly declared that their child was destined for the fall and rise of many and would be a sign that would be contradicted. Plus, the prophet added, Mary's heart would be pierced with a sword. And then there was that journey where they thought that they had lost their beloved son and spent three long days and nights anxiously searching for him. Astonished to find him in the temple, they were further bewildered to have him inform them that he had business with his Father. "And they did not understand..." (Lk 2:50)

Where did Joseph better witness his fidelity to God than in the midst of things going wrong? The Gospels do not say that Joseph wrung his hands in despair or that he bemoaned his fate or that he had a pity-party or that he rebelled against God. Perhaps he did, but, regardless, he had confidence in God and simply went about what St. Francis de Sales calls his "duties of state" as husband to Mary and foster-father to their son Jesus. He took Mary into his home. He went from Galilee to Bethlehem to be enrolled with his wife Mary, who was with child. He fled from danger, taking Jesus and Mary to Egypt. And after Joseph and Mary presented their son to God in the temple, he returned to their own humble home in of Nazareth.

Joseph was a carpenter. His was a homely trade, filled with detail and repetition. He was also a husband and a father, who cherished and protected the life with which he had been entrusted. He lived hidden in the shadow of Jesus and Mary, whom he greatly loved and to whom he was completely devoted. Joseph's life and ours are alike in many ways. Joseph's gift to us is that he is a "particularly energizing model of humble and generous fidelity to the daily and unexpected calls of God" (Days of the Lord, Vol. 7).

Dear St. Joseph, help us to be faithful to God and His will for us in all things, large or small. Show us how to trust Him always, especially when we find ourselves in the midst of things going wrong. Amen.