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)

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.

Joe, Teresa and Avila

Yesterday, we celebrated the memory of St Teresa of Avila. It is well known that she had a great devotion to Joe, but did you know that she placed her first reformed Carmel under his patronage? This statue of Joe is still at this Carmel.

Whatever you ask the Father in my name

In Terror of Demons, I shared a quote from St. Teresa of Avila's Autobiography in which she wrote that Joe had answered all of her petitions to God through him without fail. I can honestly say that this has largely been my experience too.

Just a couple days ago, I was struck by what Jesus said to his disciples, "Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you." (John 16:23) I've said many times already that Joe, as Jesus' earthly father, is the perfect icon of God the Father. If this is so, then it makes sense why he has been found to be a powerful intercessor in every case. I would go so far as to say that Jesus also says to us, "Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask Joseph in my name he will give you."

If you want to know the Father's Heart, “Go to Joseph and do whatever he tells you.” (Gen. 41:55)

Terror of Demons

My absolute favorite title given to Joe is 'Terror of Demons'. How awesome of a name is that! It's even better than St. Anthony of Padua's 'Hammer of Heretics'. Yet, no matter where I've looked, I have not been able to find where and how the title originated. So, rather than giving an historical explanation, I offer a more reflective one:

Consider first what the word 'terror' means to you. In today's world, I imagine it's pretty common for us to conjure up images of the acts of radical islamists - Terrorism. So, the question is: "Is this the same kind of terror that Joe instills in the hearts of the demonic?" You might be surprised, but I say yes.

What makes terrorism an effective tool in war? It is unexpected, it attacks without distinction, and it usually goes for the weakest and most vulnerable in a society. Joe is the same with the demonic. Demons do not know where and how he will "strike" next, and he certainly doesn't seem to too selective of the kinds of demons he smites. As Teresa of Avila said, "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" (Autobiography Chapter 6). In other words, Joe isn't at all too picky about which demons he liberates us from.

Now, obviously, this is far from justifying the use of terrorism as a means of physical warfare. It's one thing to act violently towards innocent human beings made in the image and likeness of God; it's totally another to wage spiritual warfare with demonic spirits who have rejected the Gift God's Presence. So, as we approach the Solemnity of St. Michael and other the Holy Archangels this Saturday, let us call upon them with Joe to do spiritual battle on our behalf during this very tumultuous time in our Church's history.