A Man of Many Colors

I recently watched this video of Jordan Peterson speaking about the Old Testament Joseph and the significance of a “coat of many colors” (Genesis 37:3). I particularly liked his use of this coat as an analogy for being good at whatever you do. As he pointed out, Joseph did well by the grace of God in everything he did—from being a son, brother, servant, prisoner, and even second-in-command of Egypt.

When I heard this analogy, I almost immediately thought of St Teresa of Avila’s experience (and mine) that Joe has been patronage in all matters: 

... I am astonished at the great favours which God has bestowed on me through this blessed saint, and at the perils from which He has freed me, both in body and in soul. To other saints the Lord seems to have given grace to succour us in some of our necessities but of this glorious saint my experience is that he succours us in them all and that the Lord wishes to teach us that as He was Himself subject to him on earth (for, being His guardian and being called His father, he could command Him) just so in Heaven He still does all that he asks...

-Autobiography, Chapter 6 (page 52)

A Prayer for Purity

I recently came across this prayer for purity written by St Alphonsus Liguori and wanted to share:

Mary, Mother most pure, and Joseph, chaste guardian of the Virgin, to you I entrust the purity of my soul and body. I beg you to plead with God for me that I may never for the remainder of my life soil my soul by any sin of impurity. I earnestly wish to be pure in thought, word, and deed in imitation of your own holy purity. Obtain for me a deep sense of modesty, which will be reflected in my external conduct. Protect my eyes; the windows of my soul, from anything that might dim the luster of a heart that must mirror only Christ-like purity. And when the “Bread of Angels” becomes my food in Holy Communion, seal my heart forever against the suggestions of sinful pleasures. Finally, may I be among those of whom Jesus spoke, “Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God.” Amen.

The Protodulia

In Catholic theological circles, there is a distinction between the honor or veneration that we give to God and that which we give to the saints. To God and to God alone belongs latria (worship); on the other hand is dulia (service) that we give to God and to the saints. For centuries now, a further distinction is made... that of dulia and hyperdulia. Hyperdulia belongs to Mary, the Mother of God. She is not God, and therefore cannot receive latria (worship); yet, she stands above all the other saints and receives hyperdulia ("super" service). Here is a good article that goes into these distinctions.

Recently, there has been a movement to make yet another distinction: protodulia (first place of service) to Joe. The Mother of God stands before him since she is the true Mother of God in every way; yet, he stands before all else as the father of God in regards to the humanity of Jesus (not in a biological sense, but in a real and relational sense). I bring this up now, because it really struck me I recently encountered this principle.

On Monday we celebrated Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues and their Companions. The second reading of the Office of Readings was taken from the spiritual diaries of St John de Brébeuf. In the entry, St. John wrote: 

... I vow before your eternal Father and the Holy Spirit, before your most holy Mother and her most chaste spouse, before the angels, apostles and martyrs, before my blessed fathers Saint Ignatius and Saint Francis Xavier – in truth I vow to you, Jesus my Saviour, that as far as I have the strength I will never fail to accept the grace of martyrdom, if some day you in your infinite mercy should offer it to me, your most unworthy servant...

Notice he begins and ends with God (latria), then he turns to Mary (hyperdulia), and then even before the angels and apostles, he places Joe "[Mary's] most chaste spouse". To place Joe before the angels and saints is a big (and dare I say 'bold') move. At the time, Joe still wasn't really recognized for his greatness. He was often still placed at least behind the angels and even John the Baptist, as is still the case in the Litany of the Saints. 

Finally, I conclude with these words that Pope Leo XIII wrote in Quamquam Pluries:

In truth, the dignity of the Mother of God is so lofty that naught created can rank above it. But as Joseph has been united to the Blessed Virgin by the ties of marriage, it may not be doubted that he approached nearer than any to the eminent dignity by which the Mother of God surpasses so nobly all created natures.

Shema Yisrael

"Shema Yisrael!" 

"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength." 

-Deut. 6:4-5

Joe would have prayed these words everyday as a devout Jewish man, and it would have been his duty to teach these words to Jesus. Hence this icon (the Shema is in Italian): 

I love this very short reflection by Fr Nicolas Buttet, in which he writes: "St. Joseph is the 'silent' doctor of this Nazarene school. He mastered the art of listening to the voice of God in reciting 'Shema Yisrael' ('Hear, O’ Israel') twice a day. So, his silence was actually an ability to listen and promptly obey."

Trust in the Lord

“Commit your way to the LORD; 

trust in him and he will act 

and make your righteousness shine like the dawn,  

your justice like noonday.”  

(Psalm 37:5-6)

I came across a small paragraph in Fr. Michael Najim's book, Radical Surrender: Letters to Seminarians, that pointed to Joe as a model for trust:

"Consider St. Joseph. He is a model of trust. the Gospel stories about Joseph so clearly indicated that he placed his absolute trust in the Lord. Once the Lord spoke to him, he did not question; he simply acted. God said, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home' (Mt. 1:20). So Joseph chose not to be afraid, and he took Mary into his home. Then God said, 'Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt' (Mt. 2:13). So, Joseph rose and took Jesus and Mary to Egypt. He did not question; he just acted. He placed his trust in God..." (pg. 25)

How true it is that Joe is a model of trust! How wonderful it is to behold Joe as a splendid example of what is spoken of in Psalm 37! Indeed, Joe trusted in the LORD and certainly the LORD made his "righteousness shine like the dawn" and his "justice like the noonday."

Do Not Fear!

The first of Joe’s joys (say that ten time fast!) is the message of the Angel to settle the sorrow of his doubt around Mary’s pregnancy. Matthew relates to us that the Angel said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home...” (Matthew 1:20). 

Some time ago, I came across an article that Pope St John Paul II wrote entitled “A Meditation on Giveness”. It is a worthwhile read for sure, and I can not recommend it highly enough, but if you cannot read the whole thing, at least read this short section where he opens up the message of the Angel to Joe:

I think that every man, whatever his station in life or his life’s vocation, must at some point hear those words which Joseph of Nazareth once heard: “Do not be afraid to take Mary to yourself” (Mt 1:20). “Do not be afraid to take” means do everything to recognize that gift which she is for you. Fear only one thing: that you try to appropriate that gift. That is what you should fear. As long as she remains a gift from God himself to you, you can safely rejoice in all that she is as that gift. What is more, you ought even to do everything you can to recognize that gift, to show her how unique a treasure she is. 

I think Joe really recognized the gift that Mary was to him, and it was exactly this recognition that caused him fear. How often we think, "This sounds too good to be true!" when someone makes a tremendous offer. We recoil in fear that perhaps it is not. Joe received and cherished God's gift of Mary, as I'm sure that Mary received and cherished God's gift of Joe to her.

The Seven Sorrows

Two days ago, we celebrated the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross—the feast of suffering being transformed into glory. Yesterday, we celebrated the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows—the memory that Mary participated in the sufferings of her Son and thus, entered into the glory of her Son.

It seems appropriate to me that today, we should perhaps reflect on Joe’s sorrows. Like Mary, tradition has enumerated seven sorrows (and accompanying joys) of Joe:

1. The Doubt of St Joseph => The Message of the Angel

2. The Poverty of Jesus’ Birth => The Birth of the Savior

3. The Circumcision => The Holy Name of Jesus

4. The Prophecy of Simeon => The Effects of the Redemption 

5. The Flight into Egypt => The Overthrow of the Idols of Egypt

6. The Return from Egypt => Life with Jesus and Mary at Nazareth 

7. The Loss of the Child Jesus => The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

There are a plethora of prayers that are based on this tradition. Here is one that I found to be helpful: http://osjusa.org/prayers/seven-sorrows-and-joys/ 

Saved from a Nail

I just came across this short article about a woman’s encounter with Joe, calling him “My Main Man”. I especially loved her closing words:

But I do know for sure that the saints are not far away and sometimes they really do get involved in our nitty-gritty matters, both big and small. And sometimes—even when we have not asked—their invisible heavenly fingerprints appear in the darndest places. I know Saint Joseph is not plastic, not by a longshot. This powerful guy with heavenly clout demonstrates over and over that he really does have my back. Not only does he help me navigate treacherous roads anytime I ask, but sometimes he extends his proactive care even when I haven’t a clue that I need it. 

Perhaps, he particularly loves helping us silently and in the background. Perhaps, he loves leaving for us those little gifts here and there that we really don't notice until one day, looking back, we recognize his presence. 

Happy birthday

The thought occurred to me yesterday: Joe obviously had a birthday and I’m sure Jesus and Mary celebrated it with him. I wonder when his birthday was and how did they celebrate? Did he take the day off of work? Did they stay up late to watch the stars move across the sky? Did they have a special meal? 

I found this particular Rabbi’s recommendation fitting for Joe: https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/652307/jewish/How-to-Celebrate.htm 

Perhaps we might make these a practice on our own birthdays.

Strength in Flexibility

Let’s return once again to Psalm 92. “The just shall flourish like the palm tree, shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon.”

Palm trees and Lebanon cedars are two very different types of trees. Perhaps the one that come to my mind first is their difference in flexibility. Palm trees are naturally flexible. If they were not, they would simply snap or be uprooted every time a hurricane or strong wind came along. Lebanon cedars are almost the exact opposite. They are sturdy and strong to withstand the earthquakes and floods that are natural to the region. 

Joe, the just man who is like the palm tree and the Lebanon cedar, is flexible under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and sturdy and strong against the tremors of the World. Yet, his strength is not his own. It comes to him from God. He is only able to withstand the onslaught of the World because he is flexible to the Spirit’s inspiration. Perhaps the greatest example of this is the flight into Egypt. He stands against Herod by following the Spirit’s direction to go to Egypt, not by a call to arms or open rebuke. He bends to the Spirit’s movements and as a result stands firm against the World. Can the same be said of us?

Youthful in Old Age

 First off, sorry that I missed posting last week. We're back on track.

In Psalm 92, we often look to Joe in the words "The just shall flourish like the palm tree." Yet, if we continue with the psalm, I believe that we will learn more about him. The psalmist continues:

The just shall flourish like the palm tree,

shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon. 

Planted in the house of the LORD,

they shall flourish in the courts of our God.

They shall bear fruit even in old age,

they will stay fresh and green,

To proclaim: “The LORD is just; 

my rock, in whom there is no wrong.”

What struck me particularly was "They shall bear fruit even in old age, they will stay fresh and green." For a while now, I have found myself going back and forth between seeing Joe as a young or elderly man. For most of history, most artists portrayed him as an elderly man following the tradition of several ancient apocryphal writings; recently, however, there seems to be a growing trend to depict him as a young man. Yet, this passage seems to indicate that Joe was an old man.

Was he young or old according to the reckoning of time? Who knows... I guess what's important is that he embodied the best of both. Either he was a young man with the venerability of old age, or he was an old man with the youthfulness of prime. I'm sure that he had a spark in his step and a sparkle in his eyes.

Consecration to Joe

Back in January, Fr Donald Calloway, M.I.C. Published his book on Joe which included at 33 day Consecration to Joe. If reading is not your thing, you can now be led audibly by Fr Calloway throughly the consecration.

You can purchase the book online: https://www.shopmercy.org/consecration-to-st-joseph-the-wonders-of-our-spiritual-father.html?source=ctsj

And the audio version: https://www.stjosephaudio.org/

Active Contemplation

Today, we remember St Martha, the sister of Lazarus and Mary of Bethany. Martha is one of those saints who is often remembered for falling short of the mark; St Thomas the apostle is another. He is often remembered for being the doubter of the resurrection, and she is often remembered as not choosing “the better part” (Luke 10:42). 

Many have taken this passage to mean that those who live a quiet contemplative life as a religious sister or brother are in some way better than those who don’t. Yet, this is not what Jesus implies. Rather, we may very well understand Jesus to mean that we can go about frantic in life wondering how we will serve the Lord (and be stressed by how we look before Him) or we can chose “the better part” and simply listen to him tell us what he desires to say. 

Joe, I believe, acted as Martha should have acted. Yes, serve the Lord. Provide food and shelter for Him. Yet, do so quietly—not seeking to have others conform to our own wishes. I have often wondered, when Joe and Jesus worked together, did one or the other speak, or did they simply work in silence—listening to that “light  silent sound” (1 Kings 19:12) within them? I have to believe that there was a mixture of speaking and silence, but I think Joe would have found great consolation in listening to Jesus while they worked. In other words, Joe is a model active contemplative.

Joe and Mary of Magdala

Today, the Church celebrates the memory of St Mary Magdalene, the woman who first saw Jesus risen from the dead (Mark 16:9). Tradition tells us that Mary of Magdala went to France to bring the Gospel to the people there. 

Centuries later, not far from where she landed, Joe appeared to a shepherd. Today, there remains the Benedictine Monastery of Saint-Joseph du Bessillon at the site. Check out the story, and if you find yourself in Southern France, be sure to stop and pray.

Joe and the Holy Spirit: Lord and Giver of Life

Jesus called Himself “the Way, the Truth, and the Life...” (John 14:6), and in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, the Church acclaims, “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life...” In this we find yet another parallel between Joe and the Holy Spirit—both are lords and givers of life (albeit by nature in the Holy Spirit and by Grace in Joe).

Tradition has regularly applied the words spoken of the Old Testament Joseph, “he made lord over his household, ruler over all his possessions.” (Psalm 105:21), to Joe. Joe was called upon by God the Father to be in a certain way, the “lord of Life”.

So what about “giver of Life”? Consider this, had Joe not believed Mary’s marital fidelity to him, he could very well of had her stoned to death, which also would have meant the death of her Son as well. He chose, rather, to give physical life to Life. Further, when Joe enrolled Jesus in the Abrahamic Covenant through circumcision, he chose to give spiritual life to Life (cf. Deut. 30:15-20). And further still, by giving life to Life, Who gives us His own Life, Joe has given Life to us. 

So yes, Joe, like the Holy Spirit is the lord and giver of Life.

Silence: from Isolation to Encounter

A couple weeks back, I came across an "e-retreat" offered by Archbishop Christopher Prowse entitled Silence: from Isolation to Encounter. When I started, my life seemed really "loud" and I felt the need to return once again to being silent with Joe. I really wasn't at all surprised to find that a stained-glass image of Joe was present there in the background of the first episode. He once again made a more quiet "appearance" in the final episode on Mary. 

As I went through the retreat (usually watching an episode about every other day), it began to become evident to me, that Joe is a model of moving from isolation to encounter in silence. I can only imagine how alone and isolated he must have felt when he was deciding to divorce Mary (Mt. 1:19), or how abandoned he must have felt when he had to flee his home country to a foreign land (Mt. 2:13), or how empty he must have felt when Jesus was nowhere to be found for three days (Lk. 2:48). In each of these occasions, Joe remains silent, and in this silence, he encounters God's Presence.

If you have time (and honestly, who actually doesn't have the time to devote 20 minutes every other evening), I encourage you to enter into this time of retreat. Whether you enter into one episode a day, or one every other day (or perhaps every two days), I don't think it will be a waste of time. Do not be afraid to enter the silence. God is waiting... go and meet him!

Joe and the Holy Spirit: A Spirit of Adoption

St Paul says to us in his letter to the Romans: 

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, "Abba, Father!" [to God]. (Romans 8:15)

It was through Joe that Jesus was legally adopted into the royal household of David (True Husband and Father). We could very well re-word St. Paul's words regarding Jesus and Joe:

For Jesus did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but He received a spirit of adoption, through which He cries, "abba, father!" [to David].

Some time ago, I shared a portion of St Augustine's reflection on the lineage of Jesus, in which he reflected on the linage of Mary as being a daughter of Aaron (One Mother, Two Roots). Hence, Mary with Joe form Jesus as both a king and a priest of the Old Covenant (albeit the fulfillment of the Old Covenant kings and priests). If we are made members of Christ (CCC, 1213), then we too are brought into the fulfillment of the Old Testament kings and priests. I wonder, therefore, if this gives any support to what St. Peter says to us:

But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own..." (1 Peter 2:9)

Providentially, I am writing this post on the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, and it just really occurred to me that I have referred to both of them. Perhaps, yet another movement of the Holy Spirit and Joe together!

Joe and the Holy Spirit: The Desert

We're all familiar with Matthew's quote of the prophet Hosea, "Out of Egypt I called my son." (Mt. 2:15, Hos. 11:1). He very well could have said, "Out of the desert I called my son." Even though not all of Egypt was desert-like, in order to get from Egypt to Israel, one needed to pass through the desert wilderness of the Sinai Peninsula. 

God sent the angel to Joe in the dream to "take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt..." and so it was Joe who "rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt", and again, it was Joe who led them back away from Egypt. It was Joe who led Jesus into the desert, a prefigurement of the time after Jesus was baptized and He "was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil." (Mt. 4:1)

Throughout our lives, God calls us into spiritual deserts, when prayer feels dry and God seems distant. He does this in order to test the quality of our faith to see if we go to Him to feel good or because we love Him. But if we go into the desert not recognizing our identity as beloved children of the Father, we will not be able to withstand the temptations of the enemy. 

When we are in these desert periods of prayer, do we call on the Holy Spirit and Joe to lead us through it? Do we believe that they will provide for our needs? Do we trust that they will bring us out? Perhaps right now, you are in the desert. Call out to the Holy Spirit and Joe. They will journey through this time with you.

Joe and the Holy Spirit: The Incarnation

So, what started my intrigue into considering Joe as an icon of the Holy Spirit is the scene of the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38). The Archangel Gabriel said to Mary "The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” Isn’t this what Joe was called to do - to come to Mary and overshadow her in his protective mantle? Just as the Holy Spirit is not the Father of the Son yet remains intrinsic to the mystery of the Incarnation, so is Joe as well. I believe that we all are invited to receive the Joe's protection just as we are invited to receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit, and all just like Mary received. In this way, Mary can rightly be said to be Joe's spouse as well as the spouse of the Holy Spirit. May the same be mystically said about us!

Modeling the Trinity

A couple weeks ago, the thought occurred to me that Joe models in a number of ways the Person of the Holy Spirit. To be honest, I really haven’t completely thought it through, so I’m sure that as I continue to reflect on this and share, there will be some retractions.

Let me begin, not with the Holy Spirit, but rather, with the Father and the Son. Jesus once told His disciples "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father... Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me...” (John 14:9,11). Thus, to see either the Father or the Son is to see the other as well, and to model one is to model the other as well. So, when we say that Joe models well the Father,1 we can say that he models well Jesus, too. This explains why there are so many parallel images between Jesus and Joe: righteousness, called out of Egypt, etc. Yet, the Trinity consists in three Persons, not too.

Jesus also said of the Holy Spirit, "He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13-15). So, to model the Son is also to model the Holy Spirit. 

The Greeks have a good word for this mystery of the Trinity: perichoresis. It refers to the Divine “dance” of the Trinity as if They are always twirling about making it impossible to fully distinguish one from the other. This idea is captured well in Andrei Rublev’s Icon of the Trinity (or The Hospitality of Abraham). Each of the angels depicted has the same face as the other two. To see the face of one is to see the face of the other two. So, too with Joe (indeed anyone who faithfully remains in God). To be like one is to be like all Three. In the weeks ahead, I’ll be sharing some reflections on the perichoris of the earthly trinity as the mirror of the Heavenly Trinity. 

Joe’s Candles

Last Sunday, Catholic Churches celebrated the Feast of Pentecost and next Sunday the Orthodox Churches will do so. The image of fire always stands out to me when Pentecost comes around. Imagine one hundred and twenty people in a room with fire hanging over them. That truly must have been a sight! 

Yet, we know that while there was an external fire burning over them, there was a far longer lasting internal Fire burning within them. How true this must have been with Joe. How many times did he light a candle or a lamp to give light to the eyes? Yet, how brightly the Fire must have burned within him to give light to his heart! 

I am reminded of encountering online a group of Orthodox nuns who support themselves by making and selling beeswax candles, and they put their work under Joe’s patronage (link is below). I would recommend checking out their stock and consider buying a candle or two to assist your prayer—or perhaps to be prepared in case of an emergency. I’m sure Joe did both.

https://www.saintsmaryandmarthaorthodoxmonastery.org/candles.html

The Year of Joe

Did you know that the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina is in the midst of celebrating a year dedicated to Joe? In particular it is in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Pope Pius IX declaring Joe to be the patron of the Universal Church. I highly recommend browsing through the website dedicated particularly to this year: https://yearofstjoseph.org/

Bernardine of Siena

Today, is the Memorial of St. Bernardine of Siena. On March 19th, for the Solemnity of St Joseph, the Husband of Mary, a portion of one of his sermons is used in the Office of Readings of the Liturgy of the Hours. Here is the portion that is included:

There is a general rule concerning all special graces granted to any human being. Whenever the divine favor chooses someone to receive a special grace, or to accept a lofty vocation, God adorns the person chosen with all the gifts of the Spirit needed to fulfill the task at hand.

This general rule is especially verified in the case of Saint Joseph, the foster-father of our Lord and the husband of the Queen of our world, enthroned above the angels. He was chosen by the eternal Father as the trustworthy guardian and protector of his greatest treasures, namely, his divine Son and Mary, Joseph’s wife. He carried out this vocation with complete fidelity until at last God called him, saying: “Good and faithful servant enter into the joy of your Lord”.

What then is Joseph’s position in the whole Church of Christ? Is he not a man chosen and set apart? Through him and, yes, under him, Christ was fittingly and honorably introduced into the world. Holy Church in its entirety is indebted to the Virgin Mother because through her it was judged worthy to receive Christ. But after her we undoubtedly owe special gratitude and reverence to Saint Joseph.

In him the Old Testament finds its fitting close. He brought the noble line of patriarchs and prophets to its promised fulfillment. What the divine goodness had offered as a promise to them, he held in his arms.

Obviously, Christ does not now deny to Joseph that intimacy, reverence and very high honor which he gave him on earth, as a son to his father. Rather we must say that in heaven Christ completes and perfects all that he gave at Nazareth.

Now we can see how the last summoning words of the Lord appropriately apply to Saint Joseph: “Enter into the joy of your Lord”. In fact, although the joy of eternal happiness enters into the soul of a man, the Lord preferred to say to Joseph: “Enter into joy”. His intention was that the words should have a hidden spiritual meaning for us. They convey not only that this holy man possesses an inward joy, but also that it surrounds him and engulfs him like an infinite abyss.

Remember us, Saint Joseph, and plead for us to your foster-child. Ask your most holy bride, the Virgin Mary, to look kindly upon us, since she is the mother of him who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns eternally. Amen.

Holy Family of Fatima

Today, we celebrate Mary under the title “Our Lady of Fatima.” This feast is special for me for a number of reasons, but one of them is because on October 13, 1917 (the last day of the series of apparitions that began on May 13), Joe appeared with Mary. Here is the account: 

After our Lady had disappeared into the immense distance of the firmament, we beheld St. Joseph with the Child Jesus and Our Lady robed in white with a blue mantle, beside the sun. St. Joseph and the Child Jesus seemed to bless the world, for they traced the Sign of the Cross with their hands. When, a little later, this apparition disappeared, I saw Our Lord and Our lady; it seemed to me to that it was Our Lady of Sorrows (Dolors). Our Lord appeared to bless the world in the same manner as St. Joseph had done. This apparition also vanished, and I saw Our Lady once more, this time resembling Our Lady of Carmel. 

May the Holy Family of Fatima intercede on our behalf!

A New Bethlehem

It occurred to me a couple days ago that the Old Testament Joseph made Egypt the world’s house of bread during the great famine of Genesis 41ff. In other words, he made Egypt the first Bethlehem. So, in the same way Joe makes every place where he stays a new Bethlehem—Egypt, Nazareth, even our souls.

Furthermore, both Joseph’s invite others to come and live off the fruits of the earth provided for by God. Neither is selfish. Both transform separation into an invitation to reunification. Perhaps there is someone we need to be reunified and reconciled with. Will we let Joe take charge over the situation and bring about restoration of what was lost?

Old Feast, Still Celebrated

Today is the 3rd Wednesday after Easter. Up until the revision of the Roman Missal by Pope Pius XII in 1955, this day was dedicated as a celebration of the patronage of Joe over the Universal Church. I can’t say why it was removed from the Roman Calendar, but even though this celebration may not be in the calendar, we can still celebrate his wondrous patronage. How will you celebrate?

Don’t forget, May 1st (this Friday) is the feast of St Joseph the Worker, and this celebration is on the calendar, and how wonderful that on this day, America will be rededicated to Mary under the title “Mother of the Church”! How fitting too. As Mary was the mother of the domestic church of Nazareth and from this the Mother of the Universal Church, so Joe as the protector and guardian of the domestic church of Nazareth is also the Protector and Guardian of the Universal Church!

This song may be appropriate for today as well:

"Hard Hat And A Hammer" by Alan Jackson 

 

Walkin' with Joe

I realized a couple days ago that I have not yet shared my Joe socks. I wear them on days that are associated with Joe and they tend to be good conversation starters in introducing others to him. I've seen them in many Catholic bookstores, or you can purchase a pair directly online at Sock Religious. I even find them to be a great reminder that I should walk with him all the time.

Return of Hospitality

When Jesus was still an infant in Mary’s womb, Joe brought Him into his home.
When Joe was in Hades with all the righteous ones of the Old Testament, Jesus brought him into His Home.

The Return of the King

St. Luke tells us that Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem each year for the feast of Passover (Luke 2:41) fulfilling the commandment for all Jews to gather at the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple) (Deuteronomy 16:5-6). In this little detail, we find yet another parallel between Joe and King David.

It was King David who brought the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6), and it was his son, King Solomon, who built the Temple (1 Kings 6).
Mary has been called 'the Ark of the New Covenant' since very early in Christianity. Here we find the parallel of the New King David bringing the Ark of the New Covenant to Jerusalem.

Even more, like King David who did not build the Temple - leaving that to his son - Joe does not build the new Temple, but leaves that to his Son (John 2:19-21).

The New Ahaz

A blessed Solemnity of the Annunciation to you!

In today’s First Reading at Mass, we hear of the promise of God to be with His people. He is Emmanuel - God with us. Always. Yet Ahaz the king did not believe this project through Isaiah. This is, however, not the first time that we have heard of King Ahaz; he is in fact a forefather of Joe (Matthew 1:9). As the genealogy of Jesus points out, there were a plethora of both saints and sinners in the family tree. Ahaz was among the “sinners”, in fact his lack of faith in the true God lead him to even sacrifice his own children to false gods (2 Chronicles 28:1-4). What a stark contrast to Joe, who because of faith, accepted a child to be his own! In a way, we can call Joe, the New Ahaz, or the Ahaz that should have been.

To Jesus, Through Mary, With Joe

Tomorrow is the great Solemnity of St Joseph, the Husband of Mary, and in just seven more days we will be celebrating the Solemnity of the Annunciation. In a way, we can call the Annunciation the completion of the Week of St Joseph. Last week, I recommended a novena of preparation. This week, I recommend a week  of celebration.

The number seven is a number of perfection and completion (“On the seventh day God completed the work he had been doing...” -Genesis 2:2). Thus, Joe is completed by the Incarnation. As Husband of the Holy Mother of God, he is the final piece of God’s preparation for the coming of Christ. He is the last of David’s lineage, he is betrothed to Mary before the Incarnation and he completes the Marriage after the visit of the Angel. In a way, Joe and Jesus complete each other (it is through Joe that Jesus enters and completes God’s covenants with Abraham and David). All this happens through Mary. Joe has no relation with Jesus except through Mary. For this reason, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary, is so important. Joe models for all of us that the best way to Jesus is through Mary.

Start Your Novena

Today begins the Novena of the Solemnity of St Joseph. This is a time of preparation. How will you prepare? Here are some recommendations:

• Joe was silent. Avoid unnecessary conversations.
• Joe was a refugee and homeless. Donate a little money to an organization that helps immigrants and the homeless. (e.g. CRS, Cleveland Catholic Charities, etc.)
• Joe was faithful in observing the Mosaic Law. Go to the Sacrament of Confession and Reconciliation.
• Joe knew the voice of the Lord. Spend a few minutes in prayer with God.
• Joe welcomed Mary and Jesus into his home. Call a family member that you haven’t spoken to in a while.
• Joe was a model worker. Extend a special ‘Thank you’ to a cashier or server.
• Joe died in the presence of Jesus and Mary. Pray for those who are dying.

To wear the clothes of Mary

The Carmelites have a strong devotion to the Brown Scapular (the article of cloth that hangs over the shoulder, where it derives its name: ‘shoulder’ in Latin is scapula).  By tradition, Mary appeared to St Simon Stock in 1251 and gave him the scapular with a promise that she would protect those who wear it. A couple days ago, it occurred to me the obvious reality that Joe would have worn clothes made by Mary herself, and in this way, the Carmelites imitate Joe. Truly it is an honor to be clothed in that which is given by the Holy Mother of God! It is no wonder then that St Teresa of Avila placed the reformed order under his special patronage. For this reason, I highly encourage you to be enrolled in the Brown Scapular if you are not already.

Just a little laugh

Today begins our Lenten journey towards the Easter Triduum. In today’s Gospel at Mass, Jesus says to us, “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.” (Matthew 6:16) So, why not a little laugh today?

Joe on Spotify

I recently came across this playlist of songs that center on Joe and thought I would share. You can listen on the Grotto Network website or on the Spotify Playlist.

By the way, I'm diggin' his headphones.

Chain Of Love

I love country music - especially country music from the 90s. Although I don’t listen to country music as nearly as much as I used to, I still turn it on every now and again, sit back, and just let it soak in. The other day, the song “Chain of Love” by Clay Walker came on. As I listened this time, I realized that this could very well have been a song about Mary and Joe. I hope you watch this music video and see what I mean.

The Silent Builder

This last Sunday, we celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple. In other words, we celebrate the physical entrance of the Jesus into His House. In 1 Kings 6:7 we learn that when Solomon built the Temple, he had the stone cut and carved at the quarry “so that no hammer or ax, no iron tool, was to be heard in the house [of the Lord] during its construction.” This got me thinking. Perhaps, this was a foreshadowing of the Private or Hidden Years of Jesus - those years of which we know nothing of.

Joe is the Son of Solomon just as he is the Son of David. So, as the Lord’s  covenant with David is fulfilled by Jesus through Joe (2 Samuel 7:8-16), so also, the Lord’s covenant with Solomon will also be fulfilled by Jesus through Joe: “I will dwell in the midst of the Israelites and will not forsake my people Israel.” (1 Kings 6:13). Yet, there is a new twist in understanding this covenant when Jesus begins His public ministry for He reveals that He is the true Temple of the Father (John 2:21). The House of Nazareth was the quarry where the stone was cut and prepared for the construction. I don’t think it is coincidental that Joe was a carpenter, the “hammer, axe, and iron tool” were the tools of his trade.

The Father’s Forerunner

This coming Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:22-39). There are many things about this account that cause biblical scholars to ponder the question “Why?”

• Why does Luke say, “When the days were completed for their purification” when the Levitical Law required only a purification of the new mother?
• Why did the presentation of Jesus happen at the Temple when this was not required by Levitical Law?
• Why does Luke omit the giving of the Redemption Price (Redeemer of the Redeemer?)

As well as other questions. 

Today, I want to point out a question that I raise is found in verse 33, “The child’s father and mother...”. A literal translation of the Greek (and the Latin) is “The father of the child and the mother...” Why does Luke refer only to Joe in relation to Jesus here? Why not both parents when almost everywhere else the Gospel writers refer to Mary in direct relation to Jesus and not Joe? 

In fact, I think the reason lies in the only other time when Joe and Mary are mentioned together but only Joe is referred to directly to Jesus, which incidentally also happens in the Temple. Mary asked Jesus 12 years after this: “Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” (Luke 2:48).

Joe is mentioned in direct relationship to Jesus in these two places because they both point to the revelation that soon follows: while many may think that Joe is Jesus’ Father, there is Another who is. As Joe marvels at what is said of Jesus’s coming works of salvation, the Father is the Author of these works. As Joe seeks out Jesus and finds Him in the Temple, the Father who is always with Jesus. 

Joe’s purpose is not to replace Jesus’ Heavenly Father. His purpose is to point out His Heavenly Father. In a way as John the Baptist was the Forerunner to Jesus, Joe is the Forerunner to the Father, preparing the way for Him to be revealed to us. Like John, Joe would proclaim without the least hesitation, “One is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.” (John 1:30).

Accepting to be Chosen

I came across this captioned picture and was absolutely stunned by the message. I think the lesson this message presents to us in describing Joe is this:

Sanctity does not mean choosing God; instead, it means accepting in humility that God chooses us.

Joe did not choose to be the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus; instead, he accepted in humility that God chose him to be this man.  The question for each of us is, “Have I accepted in humility that God has chosen me to be ... ?”

Where is Joe?

It really never struck me until this past Epiphany that Joe is not mentioned in the story of the Magi’s visit (Matthew 2:1-12). Instead, the Matthew tells us that the Magi found “the Child with Mary His mother.” Where was Joe? Did Matthew forget that he was there? Perhaps he was out working or looking for work. Who knows...

But I think this little detail tells us a little about Joe. He was not a “helicopter parent” nor a “jealous husband”. He trusted Mary to be alone with Jesus, and even more than this, he trusted God to keep them both safe. In other words, Joe knew that God did not require him to be the family guardian when he could not; God does not expect the same of us. He knows our limitations, and He provides for us when we are unable.

Just imagine the surprise of Joe when he returned home to find three unexpected visitors who have brought gold frankincense and myrrh. I imagine that Mary greeted Joe at the door, and the first thing that Joe asks is “What’s happening here?”. To which Mary calmly responds, “Oh, you know, they just wanted to bring some gifts for Jesus.”

Perhaps another detail of this story that tells us a bit about his character is the final verse, “having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.” It seems to me that the Magi stayed the night with Mary, Joe, and Jesus. Jerusalem was less than a day’s walk away from Bethlehem, and so it only makes sense that they stayed the night in Bethlehem. Joe was hospitable and welcomed the strangers to stay the night. In the morning they would be on their way - just not back to Jerusalem.

You are my Beloved Son

We all know that kids like to ask the simple question, “Why?” And in the process of answering “because...” and returning to “but why?” “because...”  and so on, we often are led by kids to the core, the most basic, the fundamentals of what we are teaching them.

I have to believe that Jesus was the same way. After all, “He had to become like his brothers in every way... yet without sin” (Hebrews 2:17, 4:15). Imagine Jesus and Joseph having this conversation:

Jesus: Dad, why did you and mom name me ‘Jesus'? Why not Joseph, or Jacob, or Judah?

Joseph: Because, Jesus, this was the name that the angel told us to give to you.

Jesus: But why did the angel tell you to give me this name?

Joseph: Because the Lord wanted it to be so.

Jesus: But why did the Lord want it to be so?

Joseph: Because He wanted you to know your mission in life from the identity that He has given to you.

Jesus: But what is my mission?

Joseph: The angel told me that your mission is to save us from our sinfulness. This is why you are called ‘Jesus'. Your name means, “The LORD saves.”

Jesus: But why should the LORD give me this name when it is parents who name their kids?

Joseph: Because the LORD is your true Father. I can only echo what He commands of me. He is the true Speaker, you are His Word, and I am only the wall that echos back the Word. You both precede me and follow from me. You were spoken from all of eternity and in this moment of time, I am blessed to repeat what your Father has spoken. I am only a canyon. Perhaps, by the LORD's gift, the greatest and most beautiful canyon because of the mission that has been given to me by name. My name means “The LORD increases.” And I am blessed to give increase to your name by repeating it. But no matter how beautiful the canyon is, it compares as nothing to the Person who beholds it and speaks into it. For the Beauty of the Speaker is His Word, and the canyon has no word of its own—only the Word that has been given to it. You, Jesus, are my word because you have been given to me and I give you back. I can only repeat what God has said to you from all eternity, “You are my beloved son.”

Jesus: So, what you're saying is that my mission in life (to save God's people from their sins) comes from my identity (Jesus) that God has given me because of the relationship that He has with me (His Son)?

Joseph: Yes, that is exactly what I am saying.

Jesus: Cool! Thanks dad!

The Eighth Day

Happy New Year! May it be richly blessed!

By law, Jewish boys were circumcised on the eighth day of their birth. Today, on January 1, the eighth day of Jesus’ Nativity, we celebrate this occasion. But why? For two reasons, I suppose.

1. Circumcision brought Jesus into both sides of the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 17:1-22). He always was God, but not always man.
2. This would have been an official sign of paternity on the part of Joe. Thus, this occasion also marks Jesus’ entrance into both sides of the Davidic covenant as well (2 Samuel 7:8-16).

Both are effected by Joe. As God accepted Abraham and David into everlasting covenants, so Joe accepted, as descendant of both Abraham and David, God into everlasting covenant. 

Today is also the day that we recall the bestowal of the Name of Jesus. Here is a flash back to a reflection on the major significance of the little detail of Matthew 1:25, “Who do you say that I am?”