As students of “Our Lady’s
University,” the majority of us are well versed in Mary. We pray to her at the
grotto, we pass her daily on the dome, and we reflect on her life through the
rosary. For many, Mary is a close spiritual guide. However, Mary’s husband and
Jesus’s father, St. Joseph, is also a wonderful figure, yet we often forget to
delve into his story. I decided to find out just a little bit more about him.
In many ways, Joseph is a mystery.
There is no information as to where or when he was born. He is absent from
gospels about Jesus’s ministry as well as his death and resurrection, so it is
assumed that he died before Jesus. Despite the lack of information, we still have
much to gain from him.
Joseph’s story is all about
sacrifice for those you love. When Mary became pregnant, an angel visited
Joseph and told him that Mary was carrying the son of God. Joseph could have
left- he would have no shame, no consequence if he did- Mary would carry solely
the blame and scandal. Yet, despite the treat of disgrace and gossip, he
resolved to stay with Mary. Not long after this act of sacrifice, Joseph made
another. An angel came to him again and told him that his wife and child were
in danger. Joseph listened to the angel’s words. He left with his family from Egypt
immediately. He left behind his family, friends, and homeland to save those he
cared most about.
These beautiful acts of love and
strength are things we can look to as examples. They represent obedience to
God’s call and commitment to those he loves. We are often called to do the
same, in big and small ways. When a family member is ill, but we have other
obligations, we are challenged to stay by our families. When we feel called to
do something we aren’t sure about, we are challenged to follow God’s call. We
are all asked to do the same thing Joseph did, to make sacrifices for those who
we love.
Joseph is remembered for many
things. He is the patron saint of the Universal Church, fathers, workers,
carpenters, immigrants, and happy death. He has two feast days- March 19 for
Joseph the Husband of Mary and May 1st for Joseph the Worker. He is
the saint for Croatia, Vietnam, and the United States. Most importantly though,
he is the patron saint “against doubt and hesitation.” When we are situations
that call us to love each other and make sacrifices, we can turn our prayers
and petition to Joseph for strength, guidance, and serenity.
