Joe, the Protector

Last week, I had the blessed opportunity to travel to Rome on pilgrimage, and it truly was amazing how many churches were there. But what surprised me more was the number of images of Joe throughout the city!

One of my favorites is in the Basilica of St. Andrew of the Valley. It is an altarpiece entitled: La Vergine con il Bambino Gesù e san Giovanni Battista; San Giuseppe vede l'angelo annunziargli la fuga in Egitto by Ercole Antonio Raggi (1675). I love this image because of the significance of the gazes between the figures. At the bottom left we see Mary holding the Christ-child with the young John the Baptist. Mary is looking to Jesus while Jesus and John are looking at each other. On the bottom right, we see Joe alone looking to the heavens, and more specifically to God the Father and the Holy Spirit, Who are looking at him along with the angels. Joe is holding out his hands as if to receive the message and to pass it on to Jesus, Mary, and John the Baptist. This is the unique role of Joe in the holy family.

I recently heard someone make the comment that God sent angels to the Joe, only as messengers, even though they could have easily have acted as the Holy Family's protectors as well, but God chose to use Joe as the defender and protector of Mary and Jesus. Joe not only does the Lord's will, but he does it well. We too can be like Joe. There are many things that we are called to do in this life that God could easily do for us. Instead, He prefers to allow us to cooperate (co-operate/work-with) with His plan. The question is are we as eager and quick to do so as Joe was?

As a side note, did you know that Pope Francis placed the Vatican under the particular patronage of Joe on July 5, 2013 - less than half a year in his pontificate?