Solemnity of St. Joseph

How great the irony of the Father’s love — that from His Heavenly throne, He should bless all of humanity through our very own nature.

That by the same way sin entered the world,
so too should He send salvation. [Romans 5]

That our Heavenly Father should despise not His own creation, but rather, use man as a vessel of His eternal glory.

That if He dare to send His Son to dwell among us as a babe,
that it only be right for the babe to be given an earthly father.
—
Though Joseph was likely seen as a lowly carpenter,
a reserved man who rarely uttered a word,
be not deceived by his humility —
there was a great strength veiled from within.

I only can imagine, what the Child Jesus remembers from His upbringing — surely he was constantly watching His foster dad. Did his father give Him piggy-back rides? When did Jesus first witness the deep devotion that Joseph had for Mary? I kick my feet in wonder as I dream of His parents telling them about the mayhem of His birth.

As for Mary?
When she looked in his eyes, was she able to see his love to her? Did they ever relate on how they were both visited by angels? Was she in disbelief as her husband risked death, in order to believe a Divine Promise that guaranteed life?

There’s a great name for Saint Joseph that I think we should use more frequently — “Terror of Demons”

The intimate relationship found in the family mirrors that of the Trinity. And herein lies the very threat of St. Joseph’s fidelity that causes evil to tremble.

That it would be satan’s mastermind plan for the man to resort to passiveness, just as Adam did in the garden as he let his beloved fall victim.

But sing praise, friends,
sing praise.

God, in His kindness, robes the Holiest of Families in a garment of dazzling grace, as He knew of the Greatest Romance that was to come through Jesus as long as they remained in His care.

Like St. Joseph, may we choose to step into courage and faithfulness, humility and strength, and an ever-expanding heart for Emmanuel — after all, God is with us.

St. Joseph, Pray for Us.🤍