On Day 22 of our “Christmas Goodies”, we shall reflect on “St Joseph”

What it is?

St Joseph was entrusted the task and responsibility of being the caretaker and protector of Jesus, the Son of God!

What elements can we learn from this Christmas Goodie – “St Joseph?”

1. St Joseph was ever attentive and obedient to the voice of God

One of the standout qualities that we observe in St Joseph is his prompt obedience to the voice of God
He listened to the Angel, in moments of dilemma, and obediently took Mary as his wife (Mt 1:20-24) He listened to the Angel, in moments of danger, and obediently took the Mother and Child to Egypt (Mt 1:13-15)
~~ He listened to the Angel, in moments of doubt, and obediently settled the Holy Family in Nazareth (Mt 1: 20, 22b)

St Joseph was able to let go of his personal choices and his desired comforts and give top priority to do what God wanted him to do.
Holiness consists in doing what God wants – when and where He wants

2. St Joseph teaches us the love for Jesus and Mary

Ever since he recognised the plan of God in his life, St Joseph displayed a tremendous commitment and love to Jesus and Mary
  He had many occasions of choices to let go of them…
  to leave Mary when she was found with Child, even before the marriage to leave his pregnant Wife when they found no place in the inn
~~ to abandon the Child and Mother when a life-danger against them was sensed
But, nothing could deter St Joseph from leaving or abandoning them.

He knew that in God’s plan, They belonged to him, and he would safeguard Them – treasuring Them close to his heart.

Our faith has blessed us with love for Jesus and Mother Mary. Can we also imitate St Joseph, in holding Them close to our hearts?

3. Humility is a virtue radiated by St Joseph

St Joseph had to face many moments of humiliation, disappointment and uncertainty.
But in his humility, he remained true to God in all those moments
Life sometimes drags us into situations of sadness and even shame. Many times we let go of God’s Hands, saying that “He is not fair” or “He doesn’t understand me”!
St Joseph teaches us that there is much value in humbling oneself, before the mighty power of the Almighty

4. St Joseph was content to be the “silent worker” in the awesome work of Salvation

St Joseph, was honoured to be sharing the most intimate physical presence with the two holiest persons of this world – Jesus, the Son of God and Mary, the Immaculate Mother.
And yet, he contented himself to be the “silent hard-worker”.
He is a mighty challenge to our world, where seeking for honour, position, fame and reputation become cheap motives, in doing works of charity or even, sadly to say, in ministries of the Church.

5. St Joseph is the model of chastity

Mary is the New Ark of Covenant, bearing Divinity in Her.
St Jerome, says that St Joseph, the son of David, shared his royal ancestor’s fear of coming into overly close contact with the Tabernacle of the Lord: “Who am I,” asked King David, “that the Ark of the Lord should come to me?” (2 Sam. 6:9)

Chastity is the virtue that moderates thel desire for sexual pleasure according to the principles of faith and right reason.
In married people, chastity moderates the desire in conformity with their state of life In unmarried people who wish to marry, the desire is moderated by abstention or unless they get married
~~ In those who resolve not to marry, the desire is sacrificed entirely.
St Joseph is often depicted with a White Lily in his hand, to depict purity and holiness

6. St Joseph was prefigured in Joseph of the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, we read Joseph, the son of Jacob, had stored up, in Egypt, grain to provide bread for the preservation of the People of Israel (Gen 42)
In the New Testament, St Joseph, safeguarded, in Egypt, the Bread of Life, for the salvation of the People of God. (Mt 1: 14)

7. St Joseph is a model leader

True to being a Father, St Joseph displayed many leadership qualities, which needs to be imitated by us, in our practical life

Defender of the community/team members: St Joseph preserved Mother Mary from idle talks of gossip and malicious speculation

Protection of those in care: St Joseph did not give up in the face of hostile situations, when it was time for the Birth of the Child

Needful and prompt action: St Joseph acted quickly and promptly, in response to situations of danger and of need

What resolutions can I practise today?

Today I will seek to grow in obedience to the Will of God – with promptness and joy
Today I will nurture a deeper and tender affection for Jesus and Mother Mary and be close to Them, to lead a pure and holy life

Prayer
Lord, let the life of St Joseph be an inspiration for me to constantly trust in Your Providence, and to always listen and obey You, Amen!

Maranatha – Come Lord Jesus!
We welcome You into our hearts. God bless!